Beauty Maverick

Swept Away

A simply swept back chignon is universal for no-fuss chic. Moving the twist higher up on the scalp, increasing the size, and letting it get a little messy, is an update to the style that works as a cure-all for any hair dilemma from now through spring.  Think Louis Vuitton’s fall ’09 show—minus the bunny ears—or Lanvin’s spring ’10 show for the height, size, and unkempt updo that transitions seamlessly from day-to-night, work-to-play.

For best results try the following on second-day hair:

• Lightly spritz roots with dry shampoo to remove any grease.
• Brush hair straight back, eliminating any natural hair part, into a very high ponytail (the kind you may have rocked in 2^nd grade) and secure with an invisible hair elastic (Goody makes a good one).
• Twist hair in a clockwise motion, wrapping around the base of the ponytail until it coils on top of itself.
• Secure with bobby pins of your hair color.

— Daisy

Race & the Runway

As two of the hottest hubs of style, New York and London have long been in cahoots and competition with each other—and with back-to-back fashion weeks, it seems that the two are in direct comparison more than ever.

After browsing the recent London show coverage, it was impossible not to notice the flux in size and race of the models. Instead of the young, pin-thin, fair-haired girls that walked the New York shows, London designers are sprinkling their shows with girls with curves [Mark Fast] and all shades of skin [PPQ].

Perhaps the British runway is picking up where European print let off. It wasn’t too long ago that Alexandra Shulman, Editor in Chief of British Vogue, admitted to frequently retouching fashion spreads to add pounds to boney models. And, who could forget Italian Vogue’s all-black issue? But the real question is, when will [if ever] the New York shows become inclusive?

— Daisy

Spring 2010: Trends to Watch

NY Fashion Week left us with a number of buzz-worthy beauty looks for Spring '10.

Below, a round-up of the trends that aim to inspire, be worn— and test our limits.

Awe-Inspiring: Porcelain Doll & Faux Tatoos

Though we've not seen what the couture houses have in-store, NYFW certainly kept us entertained with a theatrical showcase of the industry's top talent.

Worth Wearing: The New Pink, Voilet Eyes & Subtle Metallics

At Zac Posen, flushed cheeks added a youthful effect to the fashions showcased, whilst Tracy Reese sexed-up pink lips and rosy cheeks by pairing them with punk-inspired hair and nails. 

Lavender-colored eyes also ruled the runways in NYC, with makeup artist Dick Page pairing the look with a muted, 60s-inspired lip at Michael Kors. (Another exciting spring trend, more to come on that in a bit.)

And, no surprise here, metallic eyeshadow returns as the go-to for the season. Whether gold, silver, white or nude, a subtle shimmer to (and around) the eyes and cheekbones works as the ultimate pick-me-up for a winter-worn complexion.

If You Dare: Lace-Covered Nails, Feather Lashes & Mascara-Less Eyes

I'm absolutely obsessed with the lace-covered nails created by celebrity manicurist Elle (for Barielle) at Reem Acra. They live on the fine line between brilliance and kitsch, and work with both the romantic and rock-inspired styles of the season.

Best Left on the Runway: Artliner, (Purposefully) Smudged Mascara & 'Punk-Colored' Coifs

Unless you're Lady Gaga, these trends shouldn't translate (directly) from the runway to real-life. Enough said.

Fall 2009 Beauty Trends

As the haze of hairspray and powder settles following yet another Fashion Week, we’re beginning to see a number of beauty trends emerge for F/W '09.

Ones to watch:

Copper Smoke
Whether with a matte or shimmery finish, terracotta-hued eyes appear to be all the rage for fall. Worn with bare brows, a luminous complexion, and nude lips, this look should easily translate from the runway to real life.

Modern Lines
Seen here at Preen, the classic smoky eye is updated with a defined, day-friendly shape and bright white highlights.

Teased Tresses
Matte, voluminous updos are back and bigger than ever. Beehives, French twists, braided chignons— from Zac Posen to Marc Jacobs and Oscar de la Renta, there was no escaping these over-the-top coiffs. 

Grey Lips
Muted, dove-grey lipstick appears to be replacing last year’s black patent lip gloss as the ‘shock shade’ of the season. It’s not a look for everyone, but the models at Doo.Ri and Rodarte wore it surprisingly well.

The Return of NARS

Thanks to Francois Nars, Marc Jacob's F/W 2009 preview will be remembered for more than just his curious behavior or the fuss in the front row. 

Nars went all-out for the show (his first in over a decade), creating a total of 65 punk-inspired looks. “Imagine if you took a blender and filled it with some Stephen Sprouse, a little Saint Laurent and added a few nightclubs from the ’70s and ’80s, like Studio 54, Area and Mudd Club,” he told the NY Times. “You get this wonderful mix, much like Marc mixes it up with the clothes.”

Focusing on an edgy, night clubbing look, strong eyes and bold color were a major theme. Black shadow laid the foundation for creating the dramatic eye, to which the artists added cobalt blues, deep greens, bright purples, reds, fuchsias, and glitter. “There is a wide variety of color,” said Nars, “it’s whatever looks good on the girl.” 

Porcelain skin was also a key component to each look, allowing the black eyes and bright colors to pop. To achieve this all-over radiance, NARS used his brand's Loose Powder in Snow, a triple-milled, complexion enhancing base. Also used backstage were two new products from the NARS F/W '09 collection: Sheer Matte Foundation (launching in September) and Larger Than Life Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara (available in October).

Such theatrical looks may not translate directly from the runway to real life, but they're certainly a welcomed change from the standard smoky eye or bold lip seen elsewhere. Bravo, Nars.

It's Like You Were There

Whether you're addicted to Twitter or haven't a clue what it is, you must check out The Cut's up-to-the-minute posts from Fashion Week... They're fantastic.

For the Twitter-phobic, updates can also be viewed on NYMag.com.

Boy by Band of Outsiders F/W 2009 RTW

The looks presented at Sunday's show couldn't be more relevant or wearable, and confirm Boy's signature to be well-tailored separates with a modern finish. A concept they've now perfected with the use of more refined, feminine fabrics.

"I used to cut my womenswear pieces from the same fabric I used for the men's," designer Scott Sternberg said at the show. " This [partnership with a top Italian mill] affords us the ability to approach things properly."

To learn more about Boy by Band of Outsiders, click here.

Stærk Fall/Winter 2009 RTW

Through the use of a monochromatic color palette, contrasting textures and unexpected accents, Staerk's latest ready-to-wear collection evokes a sense strength and sensitivity that's as inspiring as it is timely.

Click here to view stills from Friday's show, courtesy of Style.com.

Giles Spring 2009 RWT

You can always count on the collections shown at London Fashion Week to provide us with a little more edge than those in NYC, and Giles was no exception.

To balance his bold prints and brightly colored frocks, the girls were given a dramatic 'winged' eye, contoured cheeks, and barely-there lips.

As for the hair, it was all about texture. Gone are the Mad Men days of perfectly coiffed tresses to match our lady-like dresses. Giles proves that the modern woman can be as rebellious as she is refined.

Tuleh Spring 2009 RTW

Celebration was the theme at Tuleh's recent RTW show in New York, with this collection marking their 10th anniversary in the business.

The quirky sense of glamour that originally put Tuleh on the map (or runway) is ever-apparent in the flirty fabrics and feminine cuts showcased for next season, as well as in their choice of hair and makeup.

Guilded eyes, minimal mascara, and mulberry lips provide a youthful glow, whilst brushed-out waves add a touch of refinement (sans seriousness).

All in all, a fabulous- and totally wearable- look for Spring.