Beauty Maverick

Jimmy Choo Sample Sale

Another reason to break 'the fast.'

August 26th 2009, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm, at the Metropolitan Pavillion.

Intermix Warehouse Sale

Up to 80% off retail prices.

August 27th to 29th 2009 at the Metropolitan Pavillion.

Thursday, 8am to 8pm; Friday, 9am to 8pm; Saturday, 9am to 6pm.

From Russia, With Love

Guerlain’s fall collection is as much based on the fabrics of the gowns of Russian princesses as it is the bohemian city of Moscow.

The brand’s creative director, Olivier Échaudemaison, chanelled Russian-doll-esque Natalia Vodianova during the creative process and boy does it show: glowing it’s-cold-outside pink cheeks and sultry eggplant shadows to pick up her watery-blue eyes.

The deeper hues are on point for the pigment-rich fall trends without being too intimidating to wear on a girls night out, or date. (And riddle me this: who wouldn’t want want to look like Vodianova?)

— Daisy

Exercise Won't Make You Thin

According to Time, that is.

M.A.C + Jin Soon = Fall's Must-Have Color Collection

Matte, modern lacquers are all rage for F/W '09. And, as always, M.A.C nails the trend with a lustworthy color collection, set to hit stores later this month. 

Below, Jin Soon Choi— the famed manicurist behind these hues— provides her expert advice on all things ongles.

Q1: What's the secret to a long-lasting manicure, is it in the choice of polish or the application (or both)?

Mostly the application. To get a long lasting manicure, clean the nail surface with a Q-tip or cotton-wrapped orange wood stick to ensure you have a grease-free nail bed. Apply the base coat and polish in even, moderately thin strokes.  If you apply the polish too thick, it will be more likely to chip.  If applied too thin, you will need a lot more coats which will result in an uneven appearance. Last, be sure to apply a top coat.  It extends the life of the nail polish, both in terms of color retention and durability. It prevents pesky chipping and keeps the nail polish shiny and fresh.  Apply the top coat to the entire nail surface (without touching the cuticle), working from the left to the right. And don't forget to touch up the tip of the free edge.

Q2: Do you feel one's hands and feet should match, or are complimentary colors a more modern choice? 

I recommend choosing complimentary colors for a more modern/current look.

Q3: It seems that square is the shape du jour, but a round nail is considered to be more flattering. Which finish do you personally prefer? Does one's choice of color play a role?

I do recommend that women avoid overly long nails and stick with a moderate approach to nail length and shape.  My favorite nail is short in length with a rounded square-shaped end (convex in form) and straight on the sides with a rounded corner— my employees and clients at my salons call it the “Jin Soon Shape.”

Q4: What five shades of nail lacquer do you feel every woman should own?

Sheer pink, red, purple (For Fun by M.A.C) for an everyday look, and lavender (Cool Reserve), and dark green (Beyond Jealous) for a stylish look.

Q5: To cut, or not to cut?

Remember that the primary purpose of the cuticle is to protect your nails. If you really want to have clean cuticles, push back the cuticle thoroughly and just snip the noticeable hanging or dead skin only--not the cuticle itself.  If you do a good job of pushing the cuticle back thoroughly, you shouldn't have to cut the cuticle very much at all.

DIY: Fashion's Latest Trend

Seeking a cozy, oversized scarf for fall? Net-a-Porter suggests you knit one yourself.

A new addition to their brand roster, Wool and the Gang offers an assortment of kits designed to entice knitting novices (like myself) to create our very own cold weather accessories.

Each set comes complete with a pattern, yarn, needles, patches... And instructions.

Retailer: Net-a-Porter.com
Cost: $85.00- $150.00