If You can Wear It, Why not Drink It?

 

 By Laura Medina

Ok...for those who can't get enough fashion fix...after the Golden Globes/the Grammys/ the Oscars/ NY Fashion Week/London Fashion Week/Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week...Los Angeles Fashion Week, which grew from LA Market Week, is full-flung week right now.

It ain't fashion week unless there are some frothy and slinky and sweet alcoholic, adult concoctions to accessorize adult clothes that come with adult prices that young professionals and the stylish establishments want to wear.  The kiddies just have to wait.

Holly Golightly, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" protagonist, always matches her cigarette and cocktails with her little black dress.  She consider them her accessories and never sees her outfit complete unless she has them in her hands.  Remember, she and the book are the reflection of the real "Mad Men" era and that's how they lived when cocktail parties were in full-swing.

Here are some accessorizing cocktails that are trends in a glass...

Royal Blueberry Cooler represents "The Royal Trend", in honor of Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, her go-to color: Alice + Olivia, Herve Leger, Rebecca Taylor and J. Crew featured the trend fit for a queen: wearing head to toe royal blue! If you’re a bold woman who isn’t afraid to wear a little color, this trend is for you. Pair your blue jump-suit or blue embroidered skirt with an equally head-turning cocktail, the Royal Blueberry Cooler. 

Royal Blueberry Cooler

• 1 1/2 parts Portón
• 1/2 part St. Germain
• 1/2 fresh lemon juice
• Handful of blueberries

Combine all ingredients and serve over ice in a rocks glass and garish with blueberries.

The Goddess of the East:  This season, colorful beading and origami-detailed influences from exotic locations including India, the Middle East and Asia were seen on the runway. Designers such as Altuzarra, Marchesa and Prada stood out as their models illuminated the runway wearing bright colors and intricate shaped designs.

The vivid palettes of hot India meets Hollywood, Bollywood...in a cocktail.

A well-educated and cultured fashionista is a well-traveled one whose taste buds are highly elevated.  East Citrus Sour cocktail is an experience of traveling in a glass...

East Citrus Sour

·         2 parts white peppercorn-infused Portón

·         3/4 part Yuzu Citrus Blend*

·         3/4 part Agave syrup

·         1 dash Angostura bitters

·         3/4 part egg white

Combine all ingredients and dry shake well (no ice). The, add ice and shake well again. Double strain into rocks glass and garnish with cracked white peppercorn and with 2 additional drops of Angostura bitters.

*Yuzu Citrus Blend: 60 percent Yuzu (bitter Japanese citrus) and 40 percent lemon juice.

Admit it, Fashion Week...regardless wherever you are located...it's about the party-ing, the schmoozing, the "swanning around," the networking,...and the rounds of yummy, pretty booze.  It's "Sex and the City" on overdrive. 

For those who worked hard for that sassy dress with the peek-a-boo cut-outs for the warming up of the approaching Spring and Summer, here's a cocktail for you rewards,  Flirty Fashionista...

 Peek-a-Boo Raspberry

• 1 part Portón
• 1/2 part raspberry puree
• 1/2 part lemon juice
• 1 part cranberry juice
• 1/2 part sugar cane
• Champagne float

Think of the Peek-a-Boo Raspberry Cocktail as the revamped revision of the Cosmopolitian.  It's still pink.  It's still sweet and yummy but more current.

Look on the bright side for all my budget-conscious stylistas and stylistos, if you can't wear the fashion, at least you can drink the fashion; and they cost less than a purse or a wallet.

Ruby Red Slippers that Does Wonders for Your Soles

By Laura Medina

When James Franco's "Oz" was released this past weekend, people can't help but be reminded of "The Wizard of Oz" and Dorothy's magical ruby slippers.

ECCO's red patent leather Owando Bow Ballerina Flats may not transport you time and place but the superior interior construction does wonder for your fatigued soles.  Plus, that shiny red patent leather and that bow are too adorable to miss.

This scribe test-drove them for three months, from airport driving to Awards Season swilling and red carpet shooting, so far...so good.  These girly flats stood up to the standing and the walking but this scribe will never suggest going "mudding" in them but if you need reliable dress shoes that take you from PTA to shopping to cocktailing, ECCO Owando Bow Ballerina does take you places.  They're so great with your dress denims, whether they be sailor trouser, boot-cut, or skinny.  A Spring/Summer alternative to boots.

Why feel so wonderful that you refuse to take them off?

Modest pump provides lift for rear of foot...for the bony heel. 

Soft construction for heel and toe comfort during long-term wear. Flexible one-piece rubber sole is cemented for natural-feeling movement.  Put them together, this means soft but supportive cushion for your aching, sagging arches.

Highly breathable soft leather lining keeps feet cool all day, livable when you're walking really cute non-stop from breakfast brunch to afternoon lunch to standing all-night photographing hot celebrities in aching feet in warm, sunny California.

ECCO Owando Bow Ballerina makes you look so cute running errands, people will assume you're "bopping" effortlessly when in fact, you're marching from one site to another site.

The Ruby Red Slippers for real life women, http://us.shop.ecco.com/.

An Serum that Cleans, not Strip, Tilth Beauty Argan-Tangerine Deep Cleansing Lotion

By Laura Medina

This series of emollient facial cleansers are for my snow-bound readers searching for relief from wind-chapped cheeks and weather-beaten skin beaten up by blustery winds and dry air.

 

If the Lab Room was inspired by centuries tried-and-true European recipes whipped up into rich facial and body creams, then Tilth Beauty takes all-natural ingredients developes them into state-of-the art, innovative skincare.

 

The former VP of Research and Development for Elizabeth Arden for twenty years and additional ten years as a cosmetics and skincare research and development chemical engineer, Anthony Vargas took his experience and research in creating innovative mainstream skincare development then applied to organic ingredients.  He uses

cutting edge technologies and innovative formulations to maximize the benefits and discover 

new uses from all-natural ingredients.

For his Argan-Tangerine Deep Cleansing Lotion, it is more of cleansing oil than a lotion.  Rich in 

organic, essential oils such as highly refined triglyceride oil to increase the skin's permeability 

to promote penetration of actives, while it improves barrier function, and restores moisture 

content to plump up parch skin;  Jojoba Seed Oil, a moisturizing oil that reconditions the skin, 

and rebalances oil production as it provides barrier protection against the elements; of course, 

the oil of the moment, Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil) rich in linoleic acid and omega‐6

oil offers additional protection while regenerating skin.

Simply, Tilth Beauty's Argan-Tangerine Deep Cleansing Lotion (more of a cleansing serum) 

doesn't strip you dry but it imparts benefits while wiping away the dirt, the grime, and the dry

 skin cells.

Like The Lab Room's Deluxe Facial Cleanser,  Argan-Tangerine Deep Cleansing Lotion makes for a

great but gentle makeup remover, wiping away the debris of old makeup and stale, clogged pores 

while your thristy, dry skin drinks up the Jojoba Seed Oil and Argan Oil for nourishment.

Think of it as a blizzard friend with benefits. 

The Lab Room, Tried and True Skincare Ingredients for Weary Winter Skin

 

By Laura Medina

For my Winter-weary readers whose face and body are weather-beaten and wind-chapped.

Here's a comforting skincare line that doesn't leave you guessing with state-of-the art molecules or exotic ingredients that reminds you of a spice rack.

Nope.  The Lab Room is a skincare concocted by Spaniard art historian, Mónica Ceño Elie-Joseph.  While working in Manhattan at MOMA and the Guggenheim, she and her skin yearned for something comforting and classic.  Studying for her Doctorate Degree, she would read up on time-tested botanicals and aromatherapy herbs that have been soothing skin and senses for ages.

Once she returned to Spain, Monica soon developed this skincare in a fun, multi-media spa in a high-tech setting, building a loyal following with Penelope and Monica Cruz, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lopez and Esther Cañadas, Robin Williams, Placido Domingo and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Her rose, lemon, orange, and geranium-scented creamy skincare line nourishes weary, dry skin and souls.  A great thing to have when facing blasting wind chills head on.

The Lab Room's Deluxe Facial Cleanser, based on cucumber, macadamia oil, and bitter cherry, gently clean and moisturize the face without stripping precious facial oil.  It also doubles as a painless eye makeup remover.

The Lab Room's Nourishing Face Cream, drenched in Bulgarian Rose and calendula, soothes dry, sensitive skin and lines around the parched eyes and lips.

 

Wind-chapped hands and fingers will gladly drink up the Nourishing Hand Cream.  The magnolia and lime semi-tropical scent will put a smile on Winter-weary faces.

For the rough patches on elbows and knees, the classical Deluxe Body Balm, rich in rose, shea butter, sesame, and mallow, softens and firms those chapped joints or anywhere on the body.

Despite its name, The Lab Room Skincare Line is nothing weird.  It's a classy, tried and true skincare that will never leave your dry, sensitive skin guessing, regardless of it's gray and cold or hot and dry.

Marc Jacobs' movie debut in "Disconnect!"

By Laura Medina

Fashion designer, Marc Jacobs, makes his film & acting debut in the upcoming dramatic thriller by director Henry Alex Rubin, " DISCONNECT!" opening in select theaters on April 12th, 2013!  It's Marc, on the right, in his role as Harvey, who runs an internet porn site for minors.

He describes his character as a father-figure/crime ring leader in charge and exploiting wayward kids in Entertainment Weekly.

For this fight scene, Marc actually trained with a stunt coordinator in doing it correctly without injuries. 

The biggest shock was seeing his fashionably-jaded staff watching him come of the costume trailer in not-so-fashionable "dad jeans" and suburban/urban plaid shirt-very un-Marc Jacobs. 

Now, don't get this idea that Marc is going to get all-movie star and dump fashion.

He was really shocked by the early and long hours, being out in the elements, and fueling on cheap, junk food.  Marc said this was the first and last time he'll be acting.  However, it was a good experience for him.

Marc is making his big screen debut along side: Jason Bateman, Frank Grillo, Paula Patton, Alexander Skarsgard, and Max Thieriot.

You can watch the trailer at  http://bit.ly/XljHlT or check out the site,  http://www.disconnectthemovie.com or on Facebook,  https://www.facebook.com/disconnectmovie or on Twitter, https://twitter.com/disconnect_film.

Tracy Reese & Milly for NY Fashion Week Fall 2013 and Milly Sailing & Yachting for Sperry Top-sider for Spring/Summer 2013

 

 By Laura Medina

 Tracy Reese fall 2013 collection is very much inspired by New York with all its harshness and beauty. Reese combines a variety of rich textures and both feral and romantic patterns for a collection of sexy silhouettes with an emphasis on hourglass dresses, longer slim skirts, sweater tunics and bold, meaty jackets and coats.  Black in all of its magnificence, from deep velvety darkness to textured patent refraction, anchors a palette highlighted by scarlet, cerise, teal, aubergine, tan and lychee. With a strong dress presence in this season's collection, a classic and flattering Floral Frock in Scarlet is embellished with delicate beading and paired with a flat closed-toe bootie to create a timeless and modern, yet easy-to-wear look.

The sequin and palette trend, that has been around for a good five years, has finally been accepted by Ms. Reese.  In turn, she made it ladylike from its LA club kid beginnings.

The woman and mom behind Milly,  Michelle Smith said this about her Fall 2013 Collection, "Layers of rich textures and saturated colors with modern, precise tailoring."

The bruised palette of black and blue was dominated in her Fall 2013 Collection, reminding this scribe of the Eighties, as well as the plaid.

Like Tracy Reese and other hot designers out there, Milly accepted and incorporated thin, lightweight leather as any other fabric, using it in sweaters, tops, and dresses.  Leather is no longer trapped as outerwear.  Digital prints in techno-colors also run through-out her collection. 

If you can't wait for Milly Fall 2013, you can get slip your soles into her second collaboration and line for Sperry Top-Sider Spring/Summer 2013, literally pretty soon. 

Michelle Smith of Milly pushed the comfy, classic deck shoes fashion-forward into comfortable, steady espadrilles and really cool Lucite heeled sandals.  She dressed the classic original boat shoe aka "dock sneakers" in whimsical pink confetti print to bold bright colors on canvas material.

Whether it's deep and rich for Fall/Winter or light and bright for Spring, color is in.

Saks Fifth Ave.'s Fifth Man for Men

By Laura Medina

Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills' "sub-department store" or "boutique with-in" the department store, catering specifically to men's needs and wants, is ready to launch this Saturday, March 2nd.

Expect sneaker galore, fine chinos and dress shirts and interchangeable blazers.

When it comes to skincare, they jettison the makeup then aim straight for the skincare and fragrance.

They basically trimmed off the excess then tailor fit to what men need and want.