Just the thing to brighten up those winter time blues (maybe test out a new trend or two) and snag a few products from Sephora!

Color experts from thirteen of the beauty world’s most renowned brands like NARS, Yves Saint Laurent, MAKE UP FOR EVER and Laura Mercier will be on hand to give customers a complimentary makeover at the Sephora Beauty Studio, as well as a free deluxe sample! These sessions will be held the following weekends:

Be sure to book an appointment with Sephora’s PRO Artists and Senior Artists on how to re-create the Spring trend looks! Master classes are held before the store opens and space is limited to a first-come, first-served basis. An advanced $25 registration fee is required but is redeemable as a $25 Sephora gift card.

Please call your local store or visit Sephora.com for more details!

- Taneisha Jordan

The gift tote at Neiman Marcus is available in stores tomorrow February 23rd through March 4th during their Beauty Event! All you have to do to receive this summery tote filled with goodies is purchase $100 in beauty or fragrance. You know that is not not hard to do. And on top of it, all of your favorite lines are offering their own gifts with purchase. So you get gifts upon gifts. Luckily, you will have the tote to carry them! It comes in bright pink, yellow and my favorite, metallic gold. I can’t wait to use it by a pool! I had the opportunity to get a preview and try some of the samples at Neiman Marcus in Northbrook. The Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Fragrance is simply wonderful, the Kate Somerville Clinc-to-Go Pads gently and easily exfoliate, and Kiehl’s Line Release Concentrate saved my winter skin.

The Nordstrom Northbrook preview last week

See any of your favorite beauty products here? Many include another gift with purchase!

Shop the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event online today or visit your nearest Neiman Marcus store February 23, 2012 – March 4, 2012

– Carol Calacci

Photos: Second City Style

Here I am trying on Robert's Sunglasses during New York Fashion Week

Our hysterical friend and celebrity style guru, Robert Verdi is launching…what else? His first ever sunglass collection on HSN tonight and tomorrow! I have never seen Robert without his trademark sunglasses affixed to his bald head, so it only seems natural he develop and sell his OWN exclusive collection of sunglasses.

Famous for his celebrity clientele including Eva Longoria, Bethenny Frankel, Kathy Griffin, Hugh Jackman, Kristin Wiig, Joy Behar and Sandra Bernhard; you can expect an entertaining and hilarious segment when he brings his expert style advice to HSN viewers.

Robert’s premier sunglass collection includes a wide assortment of current and upcoming trends. I was able to try several pairs on during New York Fashion Week and was  not only amazed at the style, variety and quality, but the price! They all cost under $40!

Robert Verdi “Teri” Mod Round with Metallic Trim, $29.90

Robert Verdi “Allison” Square Plastic Crystal, $24.90

Robert Verdi “Peggy” Mod Square with Print Logo, $24.90

“Eva” Matte Plastic and Metal Aviator with Color Rim, $24.90

Robert Verdi “Joanna” Geo Metal with Enamel Inlay, $29.90

“Every woman should have a wardrobe of sunglasses to wear with different outfits,” says Robert. “Sunglasses are the perfect way to add flare to your style, and make everyone feel like a movie star, no matter what else you’re wearing. That’s why I’m bringing these sunglasses to HSN at a great price.”

I had the opportunity to speak to Robert about trends in sunglasses for Spring 2012. He told me, “My goal in developing this line was to make sure every woman could afford several pairs of sunglasses. Every woman should have a wardrobe of sunglasses to wear with different outfits. Sunglasses are the perfect way to add flare to your style, and make everyone feel like a movie star, no matter what else you’re wearing. That’s why I’m bringing these sunglasses to HSN at a great price.”

Then I asked him which styles are musts. “I think every woman should have the following three frames this spring/summer: 1. a colorful aviator like my “Eva” 2. A clear neutral frame like my “Sasha” 3. An unexpected glamour frame with an undefinable geometric shape like my “Joanna”. I particularity love this style because it has a gradient lens which means you can check people out and gossip with your friends over lunch!”

All of the sunglasses are named after Robert’s star clientele. Mind you, I am still waiting for the “Lauren” which in my dreams would be a smaller cat-eye (very Tom Fordish). Robert assured me they would be in his second collection. Ahem.

At any rate, I’ll be watching Robert tonight on HSN at 10pm EST. He will also be on tomorrow (February 23) at 7am and 5pm EST. Set your DVR!

Visit HSN.com for more information or to purchase.

- Lauren Dimet Waters

The peplum (a short overskirt that is usually attached to a fitted jacket, blouse or dress) made popular in the 40′s & 50′s by designers like Dior seems to reappear as a trend every decade or so. So it should be no surprise the peplum is back in a major way for Spring ’12. It was seen on the spring runway of Louis Vuitton, Balmain, Vera Wang, Thakoon, Jason Wu and a handful of others. The peplum is the perfect foil for disguising a little extra poundage around the middle. However, avoid a peplum skirt if you have wide hips. It will only make them appear larger. You will notice there is no escaping the peplum this spring, so why try? Here are 10 peplum options we are loving right now:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Ellsworth Striped Cotton and Taffeta Dress $460

2. Tibi Peplum-Waist Striped Cotton Jacket $495

3. Stella McCartney Stretch-Jersey Peplum Dress $875

4. Carven Cotton-Jersey and Organza Peplum Top $265

5. Givenchy Peplum Dress $2,695

6. Paprika Peplum Dress $57.30

7. Marni Embellished Silk-Crepe Peplum Dress $1,386

8. Miss Selfridge Purple Peplum Dress £39.00

9. Hervé Léger Bandage-Style Cashmere-Blend Peplum Top $360

10. Bensoni Roses Peplum Dress $262

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Image Layout: Kristine Horton

Unfortunately for spring I’m noticing jean skirts coming back into play. Retailers are selling jean monstrosities once again. So where do we go from here?

Okay, so you’re going to want to buy a denim skirt. We understand, we really do. Try to resist. If you can’t resist, go with a darker wash and something in a more feminine cut. Think thinner and in a flowy A-line mini versus the usual straight down distressed option.

Wear your superior version with a tucked in a blouse and some ballet flats. And don’t you dare put on rubber flip flops!

-Kat Bremhorst

Source & Photo: Glamour.com

See by Chloé goes virtual, MAC honors Marilyn Monroe and Andrej Pejic joins the new campaign for the JPG fragrance

See by Chloé Showing on the Web

Not at Paris Fashion Week to see See by Chloé? No worries! You can now see it online. KCD’s new digital platform DigitalFashionShows.com will introduce Chloé’s contemporary label See by Chloé for its Fall 2012 collection. The show will air February 29.

This is the first time See by Chloé will be showcased in a runway-show format, albeit prerecorded for an online audience. Previously, the line has been presented in a traditional showroom setting. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on the first day of the Paris shows, invited retailers and editors can log in to begin viewing the See by Chloé show online. Thirty minutes after the industry debut, the video footage is to become available on Chloé’s Facebook page.

MAC Snags Some Marilyn Monroe

MAC Cosmetics will celebrate Marilyn Monroe’s legacy and iconic beauty look with a limited edition color cosmetics collection, due at all worldwide MAC locations in October. Launched in partnership with Authentic Brands Group LLC, which acquired the intellectual property of Marilyn Monroe LLC in January 2011, the range will feature about 30 custom-designed stockkeeping units, priced from $15 to $27, and include eye shadows, lipsticks, nail lacquers and eyeliners.

Andrej Pejic Gets Kokorico

According to sources, androgynous model Andrej Pejic has signed his first major beauty deal as the face of Jean Paul Gaultier’s new men’s fragrance, Kokorico. Gaultier’s first men’s fragrance in 16 years since the launch of the best-selling Le Male, Kokorico was originally released in France last July. The launch ad campaign revolved around a series of black-and-white television spots shot by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, starring Spanish model Jon Kortajarena in a feathered tuxedo.

- Taneisha Jordan

Source & Photo: WWD

I have a confession to make. I’m in an abusive relationship.

I abuse my hair on a regular basis. Just last week I dyed my own hair not once, but twice within a 36 hour period. I pick my split ends all the time, and I straighten my hair daily without any thermal protectors. That being said, my hair is still very good to me, but my fine (and probably very damaged hair) is due for some TLC.

Recently I walked in to Roque Salon in Chicago excited to get an all-natural and vegan scalp and hair treatment. I thought I’d get a nice little head massage and my hair might be a little shinier afterwards – I got so much more than expected.

When I walked into  the salon I was greeted by Yarok stylist and educator, Theadora and the man who created the revolutionary line himself, Mordechai Alvow. After I grabbed a delicious Sokenbicha tea in Revive I sat down in the chair with Theadora to get my hair healed.

Theadora proceeded to tell me all about this revolutionary line of haircare products. Yarok is a haircare line that might just save the world and your hair. Theadora started by massaging the ‘Feed Your Sunshine Hair Serum’ in my damaged locks. This little bottle is jam packed with nutrients for your tresses. The special formula protects and repairs your hair against all the torture you put it through. Unlike most hair products, Yarok is sucked in by your hair shaft instead of just coating it.

As I sat in the salon a woman next to me turned to me and told me the story of how she got hooked on Yarok. A while ago her scalp starting scabbing over and she said her head felt like a crater. Her hair started falling out and she had no idea what to do. She started getting the Yarok treatments with all the natural ingredients and she hasn’t had a problem since.

After I sat with the Serum in under a heater for a bit, my hair was washed with the ‘Feed Your Volume shampoo and conditioner’. I have never in my life used a natural shampoo with a better lather. After I had been shampooed and conditioned, Theadora told me to feel my hair. Even wet, I would have bet big money that my hair could have lifted weights.

The next step was to style my hair. Theadora sprayed on the’ Feed Your Ends Leave-In Conditioner’ as a protectant against the heat of the blow dryer plus a little bit of grip from the Feed Your Do Styling Whip, she blew dry my hair into shiny, bouncy, healthy perfection. My hair was finished with a nice spritz of the ‘Feed Your Hold Style Sustaining Hair Spray’ with memory hold and no alcohol to dry out your hair.

I walked away from Roque Salon with my abused hair feeling loved again. The day of my hair was bouncy and my bottle-red color looked more vibrant than ever. I’m writing this four days after the fact, and I was STILL receiving compliments on how great my hair looked.

You can buy all the Yarok goodies yourself and give yourself the treatments at home, or you can go to Roque Salon where they’ll give you a fabulous scalp massage along with it for a great break from the real world. Your hair will be so happy with you, it’ll cooperate for days to come.

-Kat Bremhorst

Photos: Second City Style

A Dozen Roses newest fragrance: Electron

Lilies are my favorite flower, but I do love a really good rose-based fragrance. When I was 15 years-old, my friend Sarah came to visit me from London, England. She wore this beautiful rose fragrance which I have never forgotten. To this day, I have been trying to find something like it. I think I found it.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day (sorry, but we were covering New York Fashion Week) A Dozen Roses launched it’s newest fragrance ELECTRON at Neiman Marcus & Bergdorf Goodman. I ask is there anything better than the clean, fresh smell of roses? This new fragrance is an alluring  combination of Electric Pink Rose blended with a jolt of green tea, violet leaves and cattalyea orchid then supercharged with neon musk, and A Dozen Roses’ signature rose absolute. Even the bottle is a work of art!

I am truly obsessed…you will be too!

A Dozen Roses Electron Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4 fl. oz., $95

- Lauren Dimet Waters

FTC Disclosure: Sample provided for review.

Robert Rodriguez’s Early Edition

Robert Rodriguez wants his ladies to be covered 24/7, so he’s introducing a line called Edition at the Fashion Coterie show in New York today to fit the need for day-into-evening pieces.

“These are sexy, everyday pieces to complete a woman’s wardrobe that will sit with my signature line,” he said. “The main thing about the line is that it is sexy and comfortable. It is still on-trend, but these are more seasonless pieces a woman can wear again and again, whereas my other line is more fashion-driven.”

The 50-piece line, featuring body-conscious separates, soft suiting, dressed-up knits and dresses, will wholesale from $195 to $395.

Macy’s Earnings Rise

Macy’s Inc. reported 2011 adjusted earnings per diluted share rose 36 percent to $2.92, from $1.98 in 2010, marking the chain’s third consecutive year of significantly improved financial performance. Net income for the year rose to $1.26 billion from $847 million the year before while sales reached $26.4 billion, from $25 billion the year before. Comparable store sales rose 5.2 percent.

For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 28, earnings per share were $1.74, compared to $1.55 the year before, while sales came to $8.7 billion compared to $8.3 billion in the year ago period. Macy’s said the results beat its  expectations.

“We have more than doubled our earnings over the past three years, driven by innovative strategic initiatives that are being executed with discipline at both Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s,” said Macy’s Inc. chairman, chief executive and president Terry Lundgren.

Vivienne Westwood Thinks We Dress Horribly

The third day of London Fashion Week may have showcased some of the strongest home-grown players in the industry, but Dame Vivienne Westwood thinks we have much to learn. Showcasing the autumn 2012 collection of her Red Label line at London Fashion Week, the designer said the rise of disposable fashion had made people look too similar.

“In history people dressed much better than we do… If you saw Queen Elizabeth it would be amazing, she came from another planet. She was so attractive in what she was wearing,” she said. .”People have never looked so ugly… We are so conformist, nobody is thinking. I’m a fashion designer and people think ‘what do I know?’ but I’m talking about all this disposable crap. So I’m saying buy less, choose well, make it last.”

- Taneisha Jordan

Source: Independent UK; WWD
Photo: WWD

My readers know what a rapid fashion Francophile I am when it comes to fashion, but you may be asking yourself why. As all my fellow fashion editors are reeling from the recent offerings at New York Fashion Week, why am I still waxing rhapsodic about the Paris couture from last month? In the “new obsessed” world of fashion, why do I seem to care more about spring couture than fall ready-to-wear? The answer is simple. Diffusion!

In the old days – I mean 100 years before my time – Paris dictated fashion to the world. A year later American fashion would follow. In recent times, American RTW designers’ February shows for fall might show influences of HC designers’ January shows for March delivery. With the advent of fast fashion and twitter and instagram, diffusion from couture to mass production is much faster than ever before. Of course, only elements of couture design are incorporated by mass manufacturers, but if you know what you’re looking for you can jump on a directional trend as quickly as any haute couture customer.

Bill Gaytten’s second collection for Christian Dior was even more hotly anticipated than his first following the scandalous “departure” of his predecessor. For this, he explored the archives to analyze the DNA of the brand while it was still under the direction of Monsieur Dior himself. What emerged on the catwalk this season is a deconstructivist treatise on the essence of  Dior. Before you go thinking that he brought grunge to couture, let me tell you that he used cutaways and sheer fabric to reveal the masterful workmanship that underlies couture. We even see the point d’esprit lace that appeared on several New York  runways by the end of fashion week. See what I mean about diffusion? You don’t have to pay Parisian couture prices to have this by March or even American prices to have it by August. You can go find it right now!

Riccardo Tisci has masterfully helmed Givenchy since Alexander McQueen’s departure. This season he presented 10 pieces of haute couture that combined required more hours of artisan handiwork than an entire 38 piece ready to wear collection. One crocodile inspired evening gown required over 300 hours to hand treat and apply individual “scales”. The truly “directional”  story at this house is the “new” bare and the artful draping that reveals it.

The design duo at Valentino showed a much larger haute couture collection, reflecting perhaps the emergence of a new  generation of customers coming of age or perhaps a renewed interest in the brand since the recent auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s vintage couture collection. Regardless of the reason, three distinct trends emerged from the more than 40 looks. For  comparison, the average American RTW runway show has 36 looks. Long sleeves for evening are a must for the Valentino woman. Whether they are opaque or sheer and applied with lace is a matter of her personal preference. Sheer high collars over strapless dresses are another key to Valentino’s signature demure but sexy style. Finally, the old spring standby of floral is given a breath of freshness with old world embroideries and hand techniques.

Giorgio Armani is among the few Italian designers invited to show during the Paris couture. Signore Valentino paved the way in the 1960s that has since been well trod by the likes of Armani and even Donatella Versace. Futuristic shapes, artful draping, and knife edge pleating were the key elements to take away from the Armani Prive collection.  Armani is known in America as a staple of the red carpet. We will surely see some of his evening gowns at the Oscars next month.

No round up of the haute couture season would be complete with Chanel. The key trend here is blue – 150 shades of blue to be exact!  Blue appeared in all its permutations from retro to futuristic. Portrait collars will be another staple of the well dressed woman this season. With all the emphasis on statement necklaces (instead of rings) in recent seasons, it’s about time that  fashion caught up and created the right frames. My personal favorite is the return of the bateau neck. This oval stand up collar reveals the most flattering parts of a woman’s neck and collarbones without being too revealing. Finally, full short sleeves from cap to bell shaped add just the right amount of femininity to spring fashion.

If you are wondering where all the color is, the answer is Alexis Mabille. While all the other designers kept to pretty spare palettes to better highlight their expertise in design and construction, Mabille put every color in the rainbow – and then some – into one collection. Each of the twenty one head-to-toe monochrome looks explored various signature elements of haute couture from draping to tailoring to volume.

This spring, the best dressed women in the world will be sporting these looks. Why not pick an element – like the first flower of spring – and get the jump on your fellow fashionistas wherever you are? Six months from now you can “compliment” them on their newest looks which you’ll already be discarding as you adapt the fall couture from the shows in July.

– Joseph Ungoco

Photos: Spring 2012 Couture, Style.com