D.I.Y Cornice

The living room, sometimes the largest area in an home can be a challange to decorate with 

becomming overwhelmed. I decided the best place to start would be the focal point of the 

room, the windows.  

I have three evenly spaced windows and wanted to somehow join them together and make 

them look coheisive.. I’ve always wanted a cornice and this was a great opportunity to design

one that was modern and chic instead of grandma country cottage house. The above drawing 

was a rough draft of my window treatment idea. We would have ceiling to floor white drapes 

with attached black fabric three quarters of the length of drapery as well as black trim along

edges. Because, I am creative and not technical, I enlisted the help of someone both technical

and creative. Maury from VillaBisono. Together we came up with the proper measurements 

and a list of supplies we would need. Off to home depot I went. 

Over at Home Depot, I found two helpful associates and showed them my drawing complete

with measurments. They were able to cut the wood to my exact specifications, guide me to 

the perfect screws and brackets for my project and even hailed my cab. Talk about great

service!

Once home, the wood was layed out, brackets set up and drilling began. The most critical

step was securing the the center of cornice. Due to the length, the structure will buckle

if not secure properly with flat brackets. I initially used two, and later went back to add a

third, bracket to the middle of cornice.

The cornice wood was then wrapped in batting and covered in black jersey material pulled

tightly and secured with heavy duty staples. Because the drapery would be white, we decided

on a black cornice with white detail, so it would add drama and really standout against the 

window and become a real focal point in the room. 

Deciding on trim the perfect trim should have been the least tedious of all task however, with

so many choices especialy glitzy trims, staying focused became a task in itself. Ultimately, a

simple white grossgrain ribbon was chosen. 

A greek key like design was created on cornice with the ribbon and gold thumb tacks were 

used to secure the design and add a touch of luxe. Finally, the finished product...

The Highest of Hiatus

As we bring this summer to a close, excited for September issues, merino wool, and textured knits we reflect on what makes for a great summer. For me as with many others, great summers entail fabulous weather, great friends and last minute adventures. Equally important, the most appreciated seasons are ones where time is taken to reflect on seasons past and appreciate lessons learned. To be anxious and excited about the future, and to live every moment in the present!

With Love from New York, we are ready for MBFW!

Marni X H&M: Wish List

Trend Report: Modern Metal Chokers

How to Clean and Reuse False Eyelashes

Holidays are a great time to try out new makeup trends, with that may come the desire to turn up the glamour and really play up the drama. Whether that be, a sexy red lip color or very bold smoked eyes there are numerous tips and tricks to make the transition from just wow, to POW! and easy one.
One of my favorite extras to add, holiday event or any event at all that I would like to really play my eyes up is false eyelashes. The great thing about falsies is that you can get them anywhere, your local drug store to your favorite MAC counter, and you're sure to find a set you love in your price range which can start out as low as $2.99 and upwards from there.
  When first experimenting with false eyelashes I went straight to MAC. I love the way MAC falsies feel in comparison to some other brands I have tried, like real eyelashes because of the delicate fibers used as oppose to others that are made out of plastic material.  Eighteen dollars for false eyelashes can seem like an okay indulgence every now and then however, my dilemma begins when there are three to four events in one week. How do I get the most bang for my buck? After torturous trial and error that's has resulted in everything from melting away the adhesive with makeup remover, an absolute mess. To pulling the glue form lashes, end result- 10 individual lashes left on the strip, ruined. I knew there had to be an easier way to reuse your eyelashes, safely and effectively.
  I came across the answer to my prayers and yours, blogger Sparkly Playground gives a step buy step tutorial on a fool proof way to clean, sanitize, and reuse your lashes. This method seemed so easy, especially after all the fails I'd had, I was a little skeptical, it can't be this easy. I tried it out, it worked and fast! Have a look at her step by step blog post below;

TUTORIAL: How to Clean and Reuse False Eyelashes

 I saved this dirty pair for a while. I wore these for about a week and as you can see. It's disgusting! It's really important that you clean out your lashes because it will accumulate bacteria and can easily go back to infecting your eyes! Your eyes are precious!!!

I tend to like DIYing my lashes to get the look I want.
So I have Velour Lashes in "Are those Real?", cheap china falsies cut in half, and Cheap China falsies short ones. I know it's hard to tell I combined 3 pairs into one, but you will see them at the end of the post once it's all cleaned! 
By the way, I purposely chose these dirty lashes because it has Mink lashes and Synthetic lashes. I wanted to demonstrate how this tutorial works on both types of lashes!

                                                Take a container and fill it with water. Soak your lashes in there and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

You will see the glue residue rubber thing become white. This is totally normal. I avoid using Make Up Remover, Cleansing Oils, and Cleansing Foam to remove the residue at this step because it tends to MELT the glue. It's a hot mess, no joke. It's much easier this way. You will see by the next picture!

So I removed the lashes from the water and gently pat them dry with a tissue or cotton pad.

At this point, you can easily just peel the glue residue off. (You can use tweezers if you dont have long nails). Most times, I get it all off in one long piece! If you used any other substance other than water, the glue tends to dissolve and it becomes all sticky and melted and gross. 

Now, soak a cotton pad (preferably one that is lint-free) with make up remover. Also dip some remover on to a Q-tip so it's like your magic wand to clean the lashes. This step is to clean off the eyeliners, eyeshadows, mascaras that are left on your lashes. 

Look at all the gross make up I removed from this step. Impressive??
It's important to use Q-tip and cotton pad because its more gentle. Our fingers and nails tends to be much bigger in size and it can break the lashes (fall outs).

Finally, I use Alcohol (70% to 99% in strength) to sanitize. You can buy Alcohol in Walmart or any drugstore. I put them in a small spray bottle (you can get those at dollar stores or drugstores). I put about 2-3 sprays on the lashes, and gently use a new Q-tip to wipe dry. It does evaporate so don't worry about having alcohol residue in your eyes ;)

DONE!

Prabal Gurung Is Designing The New Sephora Staff Uniforms

Elizabeth Taylor Record Breaking Auction at Christie's

DVF Sample Sale

DKNY Pre-Fall 2012

Marni For H&M

"I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colors, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic adding sporty utilitarian elements,"-Consuelo Castiglioni, Forbes Magazine

Italian fashion house Marni, hot on the heels of Versace X H&M is up next to collaborate with the contemporary fashion giant geared to launch March 8, 2012. Heading the exhibition, creative director Consuelo Castiglioni has developed a Spring collection for H&M that embodies the signature style of Marni's patterns, prints, and bold whimsy hues. Accessible in over 200 stores worldwide this Spring, a collection of men and womenswear as well as accessories. High fashion at affordable prices has been H&M's recipe for success.

Lets Get Dirty!! Daphne Guinness for MAC

With names like Blue Blood Deep, Bruised Sky, and Narcissus Dirty Heiress Daphne Guinness, shows us how to make grunge cutting edge and glamorous. Available December 26th 2011 through February 9th 2012 her limited edition MAC collaboration, consisting of cool berry tones and sexy smokey hues. Daphne is known for embodying her imagination through art and creation and this palette follows suit."This collection is a window into my imagination” says Daphne and for her loyal followers as I am, an open door into her creative soul.

Chanel Holiday 2011 Makeup Collection

Available in stores now, Chanel’s Holiday 2011 makeup collection, LES SCINTILLANCES DE CHANEL is a classic pallet of gold, red, beige, and black.  Absolute sophistication for this holiday season, in classic shades you simply can never go wrong and prove as a constant inspiration for Creative Director of Chanel Makeup Peter Phillips. 

LUMIÈRE SCULPTÉE DE CHANEL – HIGHLIGHTING POWDER

A true visionary, Mademoiselle Chanel found inspiration everywhere. Today, the Paris Makeup Studio does similarly — capturing the gilded beauty of Mademoiselle’s treasured belt buckle in LUMIÈRE SCULPTÉE DE CHANEL Highlighting Powder, an illuminating powder that gently highlights the skin with a sheer blend of tender pink and pearlescence. Shades of ivory and pink dusted with tone-on-tone mother-of-pearls make this palette the height of glamour and sophistication. $72.00 Limited Edition

ROUGE ALLURE – LUMINOUS SATIN LIP COLOUR

Colour lips classic for the holidays with ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour in two new shade offerings. Timeless reds offer instant elegance and drama, while hues of pink create a feminine and festive effect. $32.00 (Limited Edition)

LE VERNIS – NAIL COLOUR

This holiday season, nails are take-notice in festive red or iconic black. $25.00 (Limited Edition)

Ranjana Khan for The Limited

Known for elaborate statement pieces, one of my most favorite jewelry designers, Ranjana Khan is collaborating with The Limited stores to create an affordable capsule collection that will be available mid-November. Previous collaborations include, Alexander McQueen, Alber Elbaz, and Jean Paul Gaultier, her collections price range is between $300 to $600. For a limited time, a fifteen piece collection consisting of embellished necklace bracelet and earrings for a very budget holiday friendly $69-$120. Being an admirer of Ranjana Khan jewelry the most important factor for me, is of course having pieces that are affordable, but even more significant is not losing the signature style element which attracts initially attracted you to the designers main line. This line doesn't lose the great design and craftsmanship Ranjana Khan is known for. Its still well embellished, well designed, and perfect for upcoming holidays parties where looking less than your best is simply unacceptable.

Nicki Minaj OPI Nail Lacquer Collection

The rap superstar Nicki Minaj always amazes us with her whimsical style, be it, hair, makeup or, wardrobe. Its no surprise that after nailing numerous covers of high Fashion magazines, the latest being W, as well as uber successful collaboration with MAC Cosmetics for her bright pink Pink Friday lipstick, next up on Nicki's menu of domination the star takes on nail varnish. Collaborating with OPI brand to create a rainbow of bright punchy colors, sparkles and a deep berry that even barbie herself would approve of these shades will be the must have for the new year, and what better way to celebrate it. The collection will consist of six limited edition colors, all inspired by Nicki's signature style. Pink Friday (named for her debut album) is a soft bubbly pink, Did it on ‘Em is a super bright shade of green Shrek like polish, Save Me is a bottle of deep pink, blue and yellow confetti strips encased in a sheer silvery polish just to name a few, also Super bass shatter.  See the full collection below. My favorite? Pink Friday with a little Save Me naturally! Available for purchase January 2012.

Versace X H&M

Highly anticipated, and quite the tease. The H&M X Versace collection, was leaked in small glimpse of what was bold, over the top and glamourous. Until recently, the full collection was finally revealed. This collection contains a few pieces that I really like and embody the core of Versace signature design. Versace has been one of my favorite fashion house since I was a little girl and now as an adult, I'm still partial to the older designs fabrics and combinations, and that what some pieces of this collection reminded me of. The heart of Gianni. My only disappointment were the home decor items. i was hoping for greek key prints, lions tigers and bears, however it was more of an asian feel the the pillows and throws. The 82-piece Versace for H&M collection makes it debut on November 17 and ranges in price from $20-$300. The collection will feature a wide array of women’s and men's clothing, accessories and homeware pieces.  Lets have a look at my top choices;