A Day in the Life: Estelle and the Fashion Against Aids Collection

Hey Glamazons!

The fight against Aids has a new face: Estelle...and Katy Perry and Yoko Ono and N.E.R.D. Pop's most conscious stars rallied together to design original pieces for H&M's and DAA's (Designers Against AIDS) Fashion Against AIDS collection (25% of the proceeds go to AIDS prevention initiatives). The launch event took place at the new H&M store on 86th and Lexington on Wednesday where guests, including yours truly, sipped Belvedere mixed drinks, jammed to tunes by DJ Kiss, swiped free condoms and shopped before the store opened to the public (and with a pretty discount...lucky, I know!).

Strewn across 80's-inspired tees and drawn in graffiti and bubble letters, the message of Aids prevention and awareness was still resonant. My favorite, of course, was Estelle's fitted, black and white tee, which reads "Life is too short, have sex, be safe," and features a socially responsible, long-legged black girl in a purple trench and gold pumps. Estelle, herself, was dressed easy, breezy in a Matthew Williamson for H&M colorful maxidress (that I HAVE to own) paired casually with a crisp denim jacket and a Chanel bag. Talk-show diva Andre J chose a bodysuit designed by Roisin Murphy, fishnet tights, a fur and a fierce pair of peeptoes. (Love it!)



Our fave Britain-to-Brooklyn gal showing off her fab new design.





Estelle chatting it up with Andre J.





His shoe game was so severe.



D.J. Kiss spinning in a fab strapless dress.



The red carpet in front of the new H&M store on 86th Street and Lexington. LOL @ the girl to the left yawning. Fashion/event-planning is a tiresome job.

Check out some tees from the collection below and be sure to buy your fave, available NOW, at your local H&M store. C'mon, it's for a good cause!!















Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: Getty Images.

First Look!! Anna Sui for Target

Hey Glamazons,

I had the pleasure of attending the Anna Sui for Target preview. In addition to meeting the designer herself (I'm a HUGE fan), I got to see the collection, inspired by the cult hit show, CW's Gossip Girls.

The vibrant-colored frocks, metallic jacquard dresses, herringbone sheaths and leather jackets are sure to be wardrobe staples for Target shoppers across the country.

Most impressive about the collection is the fact that each character's line speaks directly to their unique fashion sense on the show. Anna Sui welcomed the challenge of capturing the character's varying fashion styles: "I liked the idea of creating a collection reflective of each character's style, sensibility and unique approach to fashion," she told WWD. The collection inspired by Serena boasted muted colors imbued with ladylike charm while Jenny's line was pure edgy chic complete with ripped tights and cut-out tanks. To say I was impressed is an understatement! Take a look for yourself and let me know which Gossip Girl flaunts a fashion-forward style most like your own. And tell me what piece you'll be buying when the line hits stores September 13. It will be available in 250 stores until October 17. Happy Shopping!!

Kisses,

Coutura

VANESSA

SERENA

BLAIR

JENNY

The Glamazons Give Back! Prom Drive

Hi Glamazons,

My friend is collecting prom dresses/formal gowns, accessories and shoes for high-school seniors in need. If you have any that you are interested in donating, please contact Jennifer Daniel (Phone: 646-319-1865; E-mail: jtdaniel1244@gmail.com). She is collecting until next Wednesday, May 20th. Please find more information below.

Thanks,

Coutura

--- 

R.J. Enchanted presents “The Princess Chambers”

FREE Prom Dresses, Accessories, shoes, etc.



(Brooklyn, New York-May 12, 2009) The prom is the most anticipated event for high school seniors. Unfortunately, for many young ladies this year’s prom preparations will be harder than before due to economic hardships they/ their parents may face. On Thursday, May 21, 2009 and Saturday, May 24, 2009, R. J. Enchanted will be hosting a Prom “Boutique” where young ladies can shop for FREE Prom dresses/ formal gowns, shoes, accessories donated by the community and friends. Our goal is to alleviate any financial obstacles that may keep any young lady from the five Boroughs of New York from attending this costly affair and ensure ALL princesses can be the Belle at their prom and commemorate their accomplishments.

R.J. Enchanted was started by SheRese Jones and Jennifer Daniel with a vision of making sure that all young ladies can attend their prom in spite of their economic condition. 

This event will be held at the South Oxford Space located at 138 South Oxford Street (between Hanson Place and Atlantic Avenue), Brooklyn, NY 11217. Please see attached flier for Directions. 



For additional information, please contact Jennifer Daniel at Phone: 646-319-1865 or E-mail: Jtdaniel1224@gmail.com.

Glamazon Exclusive! Anna Sui for Target

Target just announced Anna Sui as the second designer to create an affordable collection for their Designer Collaborations series. The first was Alexander McQueen who designed the widely popular MCQ for Target collection, inspired by Leila Moss of the British rock band, Duke Spirit. I went to the MCQ for Target launch/shopping event and scored a leather vest, asymmetrical frock and chic military-inspired jumpsuit (and met Ryan Leslie, a huge fan of the designer and in my opinion, one of the most promising R&B stars out there, but I digress :-).

So what does Gossip Girls have to do with it, you ask? Anna Sui's collection is inspired by Gossip Girls' four female main characters, who are a fashion phenomenon in their own right. What happens when you combine Anna Sui's youthful, vibrant aesthetic with the preppy Upper East Side sophistication of Gossip Girls? We'll have to wait until the collection hits stores, September 13th, to find out! But stay tuned; I promise to give you a "First Look" much sooner! In the meantime, enjoy pictures of Anna Sui's amazing Spring collection and our favorite, fashionable private school snobs below.



















Here's the official press release...pictures coming soon. =)

Target is partnering with fashion designer Anna Sui as the second designer in a series of Designer Collaborations, a unique program that features well-established designers who draw inspiration from a collaborative partner, muse or creative element. The exclusive Anna Sui for Target collection draws inspiration from the four main female characters of the CW television phenomenon, "Gossip Girl" and will
launch on Target.com and at 500 Target stores nationwide September 13, 2009. The affordable fashion collection will be available through October 17, 2009. Designer Collaborations, which is separate from the company's GO International initiative, is another way in which Target brings an emporium of designers to its guests. These exclusive collections will bring top design at unbeatable prices to women everywhere, for a limited time only.

Kisses,

Coutura

New Ingredients For Dove

It seems that all of the newest drug store body washes that I've come across so far have one thing in common: new technology for deep moisture.
Most of us are probably thinking that our current body washes are already chock full of moisture binding ingredients. And as long as they smell good and keep the ash at bay, who cares, right?!
Well, according to the makers of Dove, we should. They say that these body washes actually damage proteins and lipids in the skin's outer layer (the stratum corneum) leading to the loss of "critical moisture."
What does this mean? That you must throw all of your current drug store body washes and start using Dove's Body Washes with NutriumMoisture Technology asap! (Ok, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but I tested it out and feel like it's good stuff!)
This new NutriumMoisture Technology will be infused into all Dove Body Washes and Body Bars and will replace the existing products that are currently on stands. It contains:
-Mild Cleansers: Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, the main cleansing component, reduces protein damage during cleansing
-100% Natural Moisturizers: skin-compatible moisturizers that include stearic acid, soybean oil and glycerin that fully absorb into skin to replenish lipids lost during cleansing
The new Dove Body Washes with NutriumMoisture come in 3 variations: Deep Moisture, Sensitive Skin and Gentle Exfoliating. All will hit the shelves of mass retailers in August 2009. ($3.77,12 oz; $5.84, 24 oz)
xoxo
Ferocia

Soap & Glory's New Skincare Products

Soap & Glory is branching into skin care! Although the packaging may look whimsical, don't be fooled. Marcia Kilgore (creator of both Bliss and Soap & Glory) definitely knows her stuff and has packed each product with top notch ingredients, all at an affordable price. I recently tested out products from the line and below are some of my top picks. (And, just in case you're a nerd like me and like to know all of the ingredients, I've included some of the key ones for you as well.)
All products just hit shelves this month at Target so be sure to check 'em out!
xoxo
Ferocia



Catch A Wrinkle In Time Age Avoiding Day Moisturiser ($15.99)
It's lightweight, smells great and contains a natural sun filter that protects the skin from UV Radiation and Environmental damage. Although I was kind of bummed that it doesn't contain an actual SPF, I still think it's great; but for those that are looking for a facial moisturizer that has UVA/UVB protection, this may not be for you.
Key Ingredients
Palmitoyle Tripeptide-5: stimulates collagen and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles
Special Moisture Matrix: traps moisture into the epidermis for 8-12 hours at a time
Titanium Dioxide: natural sun filter that protects skin from UV Radiation and environmental damage
Sweet Orange Peel Essential Oil: provides the great scent!




Make Yourself Youthful Super Rejuvenating Face Serum ($19.99)
This light and yummy smelling serum is great to apply before your daily moisturizer. It left my skin looking a bit dewy, but after a couple of weeks I noticed that it felt even smoother and even had a bit of a healthy glow. You can use every morning and night after cleansing skin; this can even be used on your neck, chest and hands as well!
Key Ingredients
Exclusive Youthful Complex: a mix of palmitoyl tetrapeptide as a collagen stimulating and fine line eliminator with deliner
Moisture Trapping Matrix: protects and hydrates
Stimulating Ginseng
Shea Butter: softens and smoothes
Sweet Orange Peel Essential Oil: provides the great scent!


The Fab Pore 15 Minute Facial Peel ($12.99)
Powered by Soap & Glory's PORESHRINK-R Complex, this product is ideal for greasy, spot prone or problem skin. I use this in the shower at least once a week. Just rub a grape size amount into the skin and massage until all the green beads have dissolved. At the end of my shower, I just rinse off and it leaves my skin feeling tingly and refreshed. (You can also leave on for about 5 minutes for a quick refresher or as a spot treatment for areas of your skin that may be breaking out.)
Key Ingredients
Fomes Officinalis Extract: a mushroom extract to tighten pores
Salicyclic Acid: loosens up the dead cells that contribute to pore clogging
Kaolin: clay that sops up extra oil on your skin and smoothes your skin's surface
Vitamins E & C: antioxidants