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BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE

September 6, 2012

New York Fashion Week Arsenal

New York Fashion Week kicks off today! Here’s a glimpse into my accessories arsenal and the contents of my bag.

The first thing I did upon arriving at my hotel last night was set out all of my shoes, jewelry and sunglasses. Organization is key at Fashion Week. I also spent some time unpacking my wardrobe, ironing and painting my nails.

Take a peek inside my go-to Fashion Week bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim’s new mini ‘Pashli.’ (Here’s the same one in aubergine.)

Space was the deciding factor for me in choosing this bag. I wanted something small enough to stay light on my shoulders all day, but large enough to fit the following essentials:

Umbrella
This week’s forecast calls for rain, and I found the world’s tiniest umbrella.
Notepad & pen
I’ll be jotting down notes at shows and taking down information about the people I photograph.
iPhone
I’m using Fashion GPS’s iPhone app to keep track of all my show invitations.
Tissues
The aforementioned rain could cause some issues. Better safe than sorry.
Mirror
I’ve tried using my phone’s camera as a mirror, but nothing beats the real thing.
Hand sanitizer
I’d be so bummed if I caught a cold this week!
Money
I’m going wallet-free this season to save on space and weight in my bag.
Business cards
I had special cards printed that list our blog URL, so it’ll be easy for my subjects to find their photos.
Lipstick
I’m only letting myself carry one lipstick at a time. This one’s Givenchy ‘Shocking Pink.’
Tinted moisturizer
Nars’ 30 SPF tinted moisturizer protects my face from the sun and evens out my skin tone.
Sunglasses
I’m thinking today calls for my vintage Paloma Picasso shades.

Now I’m off to Lincoln Center to pick up my credentials and get ready for some shows! Follow our coverage on Instagram for live updates: @nordstrom

- Mary, Senior Features Writer

“The fragrance is called Fame. It must be black. It must be enticing. You must want to lick and touch and feel it, but the look of it must terrify you.” –Lady Gaga, in an excerpt from the upcoming September issue of  Vogue

We don’t know about being terrified–we’re too excited to announce that Lady Gaga’s first fragrance, Fame, is now available for pre-order. With layers of the dark, sensual and feminine (like notes of belladonna, apricot and jasmine), this eau de parfum by Haus Laboratories has just enough rebellious attitude for anyone with a little edge—whether or not you count yourself as one of Gaga’s Little Monsters.

Want to see more Nordstrom Beauty news? Check out our Beauty 24/7 Blog.

Sarah, our Personal Stylist Manager at South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa, CA), took time during our busy Anniversary Sale to throw out her most-wanted Anniversary items.

1.
Pour la Victoire ‘Prado’ Tote. This is a great bag for fall! It offers function and fashion at a fabulous price.

2.
Stuart Weitzman ‘Accumulate’ Boot. The perfect blend of classic and tough makes this boot extremely versatile.

3.
Zella ‘Live-In Leggings’. Every girl should own these. I wear mine with oversized sweaters and boots. The best part is, you can lose the boots, put on a Zella tee and head to yoga.

4.
Truth & Pride Perforated Leather Biker Jacket. I am crazy about this leather jacket! It works so easily with other pieces, and its biker cut will rev up your fall wardrobe in an instant!

5.
Paige ‘Skyline Skinny’ Jeans. I love the color of the denim and fit of these jeans. The soft grey is a fantastic neutral that will become your go-to bottom for fall.

6.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Sunglasses. New sunnies are not a summer-only necessity; as the seasons change, so should your shades. This style pictured is the perfect way to break into a larger frame. Go for it!

7.
Joan & David ‘Quimberly’ Pump. A playful-yet-chic pump is the perfect balance to fall’s knits and leather. Wear it to work with a pencil skirt for a sophisticated look, or rock skinny jeans and a leather jacket for a night out.

8.
Vince Boatneck Tee. Premium basics are a wise choice. You need to have cozy, yet stylish, layering pieces to be ready for any kind of weather. Throw it on under a knit or a leather jacket—this tee can do it all!

9.
Clarisonic Mia 2. This is my number-one beauty must-have! Your skin will glow, and you’ll get the most out of your products. This is a game-changer for your skin.

10.
Rebecca Minkoff ‘M.A.C.’ Python-Embossed Crossbody Clutch. Python is a playful way to keep things neutral while adding texture.

Looking for even more recommendations for a perfect fall wardrobe? Contact Sarah or a Personal Stylist at a store near you to make a complimentary appointment.

Looking for your daily dose of all things Beauty? Find all of our favorite tips & tricks, trends, inspirations and more on our newest blog: Beauty 24/7.

Now available for pre-order: I Love New York for Marriage Equality by Bond No. 9 Fragrance.

With notes of mandarin, nutmeg, jasmine and sandalwood, this fragrance honors New York for proudly celebrating love in all its forms. Easy to wear and easy to adore, I Love New York for Marriage Equality is also totally unisex, so it’s perfect for sharing, no matter who you share your life with.

Sunny days are here again (even in Seattle)! Check out our list for the season’s top 10 essentials for easy summer style. How does your own list stack up?

April 6, 2012

Not So Mellow Yellow

Get your head out of the clouds, and put your sunny side up this spring. From lemon to canary, one of this season’s best hues is totally solar-powered.

Sun-kissed shades lit up the Spring ’12 runways—check out these designer lovelies we’ve been itching to get our hands on since we saw them last fall. Bright, cheery and no-need-to-be-scared-to-wear, yellow is our newest favorite shade in shoes, accessories and apparel.

Pictured:
Sanctuary ‘Windy Day’ Wind Jacket
kate spade new york ‘mulholland drive’ faceted ring
Sequin ‘Brights’ Large Enamel Bangle
kate spade new york ‘fingers’ iphone 4 & 4S case
Dior ‘Miss Dior’ Peep Toe Platform Pump
Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer
Yves Saint Laurent ‘Ombres Duolumières’ Eyeshadow Duo
MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Take Me’ Tote

March 23, 2012

Just a Dash of Diva Glam

Work one or two well-chosen accents into your everyday wardrobe to induce the perfect amount of confidence and attitude. Here are our favorite ways of taking ‘diva’ from four-letter word to five-star fabulous.

1 – Diva sweet. Try a touch of bling that’s delicate and pretty, but capable of adding ample shine to your neckline. [Pictured: Elizabeth and James 'Thorn' Necklace]

2 – Mind your manis. The mani/pedi is essential to achieving diva status. This spring’s bright colors aren’t just for clothes, shoes and accessories—here are two polish shades we strongly recommend. [Pictured: butter LONDON '3 Free' Nail Lacquer in Artful Dodger and Branwen's Feather]

3 – Watch your whites. This stark neutral is getting ready for a white-hot accessories explosion this summer. We suggest something big and bold, because you simply don’t have time for just any watch. [Pictured: Michael Kors 'Drake' Silicone Bracelet Watch]

4 – Life on the wedge. Give your workwear serious flair or pair wedges with shorts for mile-long legs—commanding colors and patterns are a knockout standout. [Pictured: BP. 'Felicity' Wedge Sandal]

5 – Princess phone. Update your status and call for takeout—all while looking retro-fantastic. Need we say more? [Pictured: Native Union 'Pop Phone' Handset, Rebecca Minkoff iPhone 4 & 4S Case]

6 – Glam rock. High heel plus high shine equal what a shoe collaboration between Pat Benatar and Cinderella would look like—something totally magical that screams, “Hit me with your best shot!” [Pictured: B Brian Atwood 'Fineday' High Heel]

 

February 8, 2012

A Spring Tide of Sea Foam

Straight from the ’50s and pastel-obsessed ’60s, these pale, watery hues of the sea are on the rise.

So refreshing! After all the bright colors we’ve been talking about, these shades—from minty green to faded aqua—are feeling like a cool alternative to blazing color.

Try lighter or sheer fabrics in pale tones for breezy, flowing silhouettes, and more saturated tints with tailored pieces. Keep this color looking easy and extra-fresh by pairing with warm neutrals or a mid-tone blue.

Pictured:
Sanctuary ‘Leotie’ Crinkled Asymmetric Maxi Skirt
Yves Saint Laurent ‘Manicure Couture’ Duo
Sibilia Square Statement Necklace
Elizabeth and James ‘Adrienne’ Slub Knit Dress
Fossil ‘Sydney’ Colored Dial Bracelet Watch
Wit and Wisdom Color Denim Skinny Jeans (Nordstrom Exclusive)
Caslon V-Neck Textured Sweater
Botkier ‘Valentina’ Shoulder Bag

Creator of the vbeauté skincare line and It Kit™—a travel-friendly gunmetal clutch filled with customizable, refillable essentials—Julie Macklowe schools us about her unique products that are sweeping across the beauty scene.

What inspired you to create the vbeauté skincare line?
TSA security agents took my toiletries, so I purchased expensive luxury products in France only to find myself in hives three days later in the middle of nowhere in Normandy. Murphy’s Law.

We love the It Kit™ idea. How did it come about?
I sketched it on a napkin while having a glass of wine on my flight back from Europe. Of course the kit wasn’t enough; I wanted the IT technology, so I partnered with the world-renowned CRB Lab in Switzerland to develop the line.

I wanted to create the best skincare and keep it affordable, so you didn’t have to go broke buying it—vbeauté ranges from $48-150 for the full size, with refill sizes from $18-42, so anyone can use our products.

What are the technologies in and benefits of vbeauté?
All vbeauté products have Swiss Alpine Rose Botanical Technology. The alpine rose is a beautiful plant that grows high in the Swiss Alps, goes through extreme climate changes, dies each winter and rejuvenates itself each spring—fresh like your skin.

We combined this plant, which has natural protection from the elements, with the latest patented BioCellular peptide, and vComplex was born—the latest in Swiss Botanical anti-age technology. Since I have very sensitive skin, all products are paraben free, fragrance free, and gluten, nut and oat free—great for all skin types.

What are your other beauty must-haves?
I’m a firm believer that foundation ages your skin, as your skin cannot breathe. Therefore, I try to avoid wearing any heavy makeup daily—usually light mascara and a lip gloss are all I wear.

I love CHANEL Inimitable Intense Mascara and Edward Bess lip gloss.

What can we expect in the future for vbeauté?
We are big believers that less is more, so we will launch very select products to keep our line simple. Right now a great mask and zinc SPF are in the works. The launch date is TBD as they must be PERFECT.

What’s your one beauty tip to live by?
Never leave home without your It Kit!

Shop vbeauté.