Neiman Marcus: The Art of Style - Fall 2012 Trends

Last weekend, Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria treated a few member of the press to a preview of Fall 2012 fashion, beauty, and home trends. I was lucky to be invited - to learn and drool. What's "in" for the coming season?  We got to see, hold in some cases, and experience autumn. Here's "the list."

Mixed Greens. Solo or in combination, greens are the color for fall. Greens will spruce up any wardrobe - and fit right in with mine.

Navy. The New Neutral. Navy! Finally, navy is back in style, after way too many years of black. Pair it with black (which Giorgio Armani did long ago) or brights.

The Jacket. The menswear trend, a tailored jacket, goes over everything, even evening dresses. Keep it at the top of your mind.

The Smoking Slipper. This flats lover is overwhelmed with the gorgeous offerings for fall. The luxury loafer and embellished flats are "flat-out chic."

The Leather Leg. Second-skin tight or cut like a trouser, leather has legs this fall.

The Statement Handbag. Size, shape, and details speak volumes. Wear it in green or navy for the trendiest look.

Borrowed from the Boys. Menwear influences are all over tailored fashions for women.

Digital Prints. Patterns made modern adorn everything from jeans to dresses.

Brooches. Finally, you can bring out grandma's brooches - or new ones - and be right in style. One brooch adds newness; a cluster adds drama.

The Fall Face. Get juiced with the cherry lip. Red is big for fall and winter, and the shade of the season is cherry. Nathaly Callado was modeling the cherry red lip as she showed us the latest in beauty.

What else caught my eye? I flipped over this David Yurman bracelet. For a mere $8,500, I could have it!

This is one of the most exciting fall seasons I've seen in the last few years. Now, I'm off to buy a Powerball ticket.

Scanned photo at top courtesy of Neiman Marcus; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Update Your Makeup for Summer - Interview with Ivan Castro, Le Métier de Beauté Global Key Artist

Yesterday, I had a an incredible opportunity to spend some time on the phone with Ivan Castro, Global Key Artist with Le Métier de Beauté. Ivan and I talked about summer makeup trends - color and application tips. Before we get to his ideas for your smashing summer, let me tell you a few things about him.

Ivan is based in Los Angeles and has worked as a makeup artist for over 10 years. The lucky ladies near the West Coast get to see him most often. Before joining Le Métier de Beauté, Ivan worked backstage at Marchesa and was a well-known artist behind the scenes at Los Angeles Fashion Week. He helps celebrities get ready for the red carpet, from fashion designer Keren Craig of Marchesa to Rihanna (no intro needed).

Ivan's beauty expertise and tips have been featured by numerous media outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, ABC News, Newsday, and Philadelphia Style. Yesterday was my first opportunity to chat with Ivan, and now I'm privileged to join those well-known sources by sharing Ivan's makeup wisdom and color tips for your summer.

Just seconds into our conversation, I wished we could have talked face to face - over a counter full of testers - playing with color to illustrate his ideas. His sensitivity to a woman's individuality was immediately apparent as he talked about his approach to makeup. Ivan is most definitely not one of those paint-by-numbers artists. One of the first things he told me was that women fear makeup artists see their flaws at first glance. Not true, he protested! A good artist sees the highlights - a woman's best features - and immediately wants to enhance them. As I asked him questions, I learned that he's reluctant to prescribe. Like all great artists, he knows that no single look is right for everyone.

Now that I've told you Ivan doesn't notice flaws, he will notice one that's correctable - when a woman is not taking good care of her skin. Our skin is the canvas for our makeup, just like a fine painting. If you want your makeup to look good, your skin has to look good. I wholeheartedly agree, one reason why I take time out from our makeup love fests to tell you about skin care. Here's a news flash. We have something special to anticipate. Le Métier de Beauté will be introducing skin care in late summer - probably September. Are you as excited as I am? That launch will be momentous.

We talked about foundation. Women have different needs for color and coverage. On the West Coast, Ivan sees a lot of women with tan bodies and pale faces. They look like mismatched postcards in scrapbooks (my words, not his). He tries to use foundation to even them out, using it to give the face, neck, and décolletté a unified look. Before he does, he often asks his clients, "Do you feel prettier when you look light or tan?" Then he uses one of Le Métier de Beauté's fabulous foundations to enhance the canvas.

Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe is Le Métier de Beauté's newest foundation. It does double duty as skin care and color. This luxurious, tinted treatment fluid provides a sheer wash of flawless, luminous, and lightweight coverage. Peau Vierge feels like your second skin with a gossamer-like texture. Light-diffusing pigments help fade away lines and instantly impart a renewed radiance and healthy appearance. Peau Vierge provides SPF 20 to guard against the damaging effects of the sun and retinol in a Syntoc Actif delivery system that helps it penetrate more effectively. Packed with other moisturizing, calming, and protective ingredients, like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and green tea, it's a marvel of modern makeup technology. He loves using it and finds it especially perfect for summer.

Ivan said that some women want more coverage, and Classic Flawless Finish Foundation suits them perfectly. The silky, featherweight, oil-free formula captures the luminosity of perfect skin, evens out skin tone, and blurs imperfections for a beautiful, natural finish. Ivan described Classic Flawless Finish as a medium-to-full coverage foundation that provides a beautiful finish, not matte, not ultra dewy - just perfect. It's available in 12 shades with a variety of undertones (we don't all have to be yellow). Ivan recommends applying it with Le Métier de Beauté's gorgeous Kabuki Brush. He suggests using a very small amount of Classic Flawless Finish and buffing it into the skin with the Kabuki Brush. That technique will yield a look that's actually flawless.

Whichever foundation you choose (there's a tinted moisturizer too), during the summer, make sure to use the least amount of coverage that makes you comfortable. That will give you a natural look that's pleasing to the eye, whether you are at an outdoor wedding or playing golf.

Now that we've prepped the canvas, where do we go with color this summer? To the Mediterranean, of course! Without leaving home, we can bring the elegance and beauty of the islands, oceanfront, and sea to our lives with Le Métier de Beauté color. The Penelope Kaleidoscope Eye Kit will give you a perfect pop of color for summer. Penelope captures all of the beauty of the Mediterranean panorama with its four opulent eye shadow shades, Blonde Amber, Pale Satin Amethyst, Bronze Topaz, and Black Emerald. Ivan said you can use these popular colors one by one or layered (the Le Métier de Beauté Couches de Colour way) for a wash of color that's perfect for this summer's best look. He loves soft lavender, bronze, and coral - great shades for summer - making Penelope the perfect eye palette. It provides every shade you need to update your eye's wardrobe in just one kit.

On the lips? Go natural for day with Dustin Lujan's Écumes D’or Kaleidoscope Lip Kit or wear a pop of hot color at night with Ken's Kissable Koral. Ivan shared a tip for using hot, bold colors for summer without venturing too far into a full-force movie star look. Use the lipstick as a stain, blotting it into your lips for a tint of color and then following with lip gloss to achieve a Creamsicle look. Use the vibrant fuschia Paris Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick as your stain and top it with Vanilla Rose lip gloss (listed as Vanilla Crème at Neiman Marcus Web site). Or use Riviera (bright orange) or Ken's Kissable Koral and top it with the same gloss. Instant glamour! I liked this idea and plan to drag out a bright lipstick today to create this look myself. Maybe I'll get brave and try my Ken's Kissable Koral!

I asked Ivan how we can update our makeup look for summer without breaking the bank. He said to focus on the eyes or lips, not both. Add a pop of shadow, one with high sheen to glide over your eyelid, and wear a minimal lip for day. I asked about fabulous summer eye shades. He likes True Colour Eyeshadow in Spicy, a beautiful bronze that looks good on everyone. He also recommends Plum True Colour Eyeshadow, a violet that is sheer on the lids and can be layered over any other shadow to enliven it. He mentioned that Innocence, Plum, and Lapis are meant to be used over more neutral colors to jazz up your look.

We talked about how to look naturally pretty, not over-done, during the summer. Ivan suggests switching from black mascara to brown. A look he likes starts with a natural skin base, followed by Spicy and topped with Innocence, then accented with Tamarack Dualistic Eye Pencil on the inside of the eyes to give a little sparkle - but not too much. Brownish Black Anamorphic Lash Mascara finishes the look.

Ivan also recommends using Le Métier de Beauté's colored mascaras for summer's fun alternative to black. He doesn't want to see mascara overtake a woman's eyes, particularly at outdoor events. He recommends we try Aubergine for blue eyes or Midnight Blue for brown eyes. The combination of the mascaras and your own lashes will give a tint that's extremely flattering. I'll show you later today, so come back!

He also loves the look of Le Métier de Beauté's Crème Fresh Tints for cheeks. Natural color that melts in the skin (no pun intended), Crème Fresh Tints are among my favorite cream blushes. Ivan recommends them because they provide a nice glow that's more flattering in daylight than metallic or sparkly cheek colors. There's a shade for you. See my feature on the newest of these wonderful blushes here.

We finished up with the question I get from many readers: How do I keep my makeup in place during the summer months, with heat and moisture working against me? Ivan said that women don't seem to like using powder (there are some serious misconceptions), but it’s really necessary in the summer. Use loose powder to set your makeup. If you apply it correctly, you won't lose your glow. He recommends Classic Flawless Finish Loose Powder. Blot it on with a sponge or puff, particularly if you're oily, or the Powder Brush. He suggests using loose powder over eye shadow, your finished face, even your lipstick. For an extremely long-lasting lip, use lip liner over your entire lip. Follow with loose powder, then lipstick. Blot, then apply more lipstick, more loose powder, and top with lip gloss. He laughed as he said, "Your lip color will stay put for a very long time."

Suddenly, our time was up. Someone else had reserved our conference line, and we had to say goodbye. Thank you, Ivan! I'm looking forward to meeting you in person some day soon.

I'm extremely envious of the West Coast gals who see Ivan frequently. When you get the chance, make an appointment to see him at an event. Even if he's not available when you're ready to update your makeup for summer, head over to your closest Le Métier de Beauté counter. Everyone who works with the line is amazingly talented. With Ivan's tips and your own preferences, you'll find a summer look you love.

Photos courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté and Neiman Marcus

Guest Feature: Summer Beauty Trends

A guest feature from Aleya at the Long Island Beauty School follows. Thanks, Aleya, for the summer tips! We need to be forced out of our comfort zones now and then. Aleya has some gentle ideas for change.

All of the photos came from the fashion-forward looks created by makeup artist extraordinaire Napoleon Perdis for Rosemount Australian Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2011. Stunning and colorful, his looks embody the trends for summer. You can see more of his work on his Facebook page.

To the relief of all, summer is on its way, and so are the hot beauty trends that go with it. While some of these trends were taken from those that sprang with spring, there are a few that are exciting and new.

Nails - Step away from the pretty pinks that were trendy last year and go vibrant with color! Try a polish that’s coral, hot pink, purple, yellow, or, blue. If you’re a little more conservative, you can still wear pastel colors. It may be fun, though, to dazzle with a touch of glitter.

Lips - Make your lips stand out by applying red or hot pink lipstick. There are tons of shades available in each color, so select one that looks good with your skin tone. Take this trend one step further by applying matte lipstick instead of a gloss.

Colorful Eyes - Have fun with your eye makeup by applying eye shadow or eye liner in bright bold colors, such as electric blue or canary yellow. Hot pink and red are also big for summer (on some skin tones). You can use just one color or blend a few together for an edgier look.

Smoky Eyes - Use bold colors to create exotic smoky eyes. Copper is so trendy!

Neutrals - Feel like a clean, fresh look? Here’s your chance. Tie your hair back in a nice, sleek, low ponytail and wear a touch of neutral makeup. Get a touch of shine with a nude lip gloss.

Glowing Skin - Great skin is always in fashion, but this summer your skin should look fresh, clean, and even a little sun kissed. How about a bronzer?

Braids - It doesn’t matter how you wear them as long as you do!

Parted Hair - Channel your inner Gwyneth Paltrow and part your hair in the middle. It’s okay to part your hair on the side as well, but wherever you decide to part it, make sure that the part really stands out and looks clean.

Have fun! There are no limits to your creativity, so let yourself go and enjoy the ride.

Any questions for Aleya or Napoleon?

Photos courtesy of Napoleon Perdis

Nordstrom Paint the Town Beautiful Show Recap

Do you like crowds? If you do, you'd love the Nordstrom Beauty Trends Show. Imagine 800 women assembled to see the latest and greatest in the world of beauty at Paint the Town Beautiful. Imagine most of them leaping out of their chairs or waving their arms in the air every time the energetic mistress of ceremonies, Nordstrom's beauty guru Julianne De'Chaump, hints that she's going to give something away. The spectacle is more interesting than most of the short presentations.

Now imagine packing them all into the Nordstrom Beauty Department after the show. Imagine that you can't get through the aisles to actually buy products without rubbing elbows with countless women, some of whom block those aisles to get a free sample of something they may never use. Imagine pandemonium, and you've got an idea what this morning's Beauty Trends show and aftermath were like at Nordstrom Tysons Corner Center. There has to be a better way. I don't know why I keep punishing myself by going; I guess it's the spectacle that intrigues me.

Did I learn anything? Not much. That comes with being a "jaded beauty blogger," I guess. I knew most of the products that were introduced. I did find the models a blast to watch (walking with confidence in six-inch heels), and there were a few presentations that were especially good - either because they were informative or energetic.

I love Pamela Morgan from Guerlain, and she did a great job of explaining Abeille Royale, Guerlain's latest anti-aging serum, and Or Impérial, a spray-on highlighting powder. I may have to take a second look at Or Impérial. Pamela said it smells like candied violets. I avoided it the first time I saw it because Guerlain's skin care is so heavily fragranced, and some of the products smell like Shalimar. Now I want to sniff candied violets.

I don't wear red lipstick. My coloring is so fair, it's too dramatic for me. Nevertheless, I thought Lancome's Red Stiletto lipstick was gorgeous on the model - the perfect shade of red for me, with just a slight hint of blue. Manuel "Manny" Villegas, Lancome National Makeup Artist, described it as the perfect red. Maybe I'll reconsider.

Dr. Perricone's two lovely representatives, Rene Marshall and Jane Meredith, are always a delight. Nordstrom should have given them more time to explain Perricone's philosophy of nutrition, supplements, and topical skin care to stay forever young (the title of his latest book). The arm-waving audience seemed largely unacquainted with Perricone skin care (but then some of the gals there were about 12 years old - no kidding).

"The guys" had two of the most energetic appearances. Timber Gooding from Smashbox presented the Make a Wish Collection for Holiday 2010. I've featured it recently, and I love it. I'll bet some of the sets sold out today. Bobby Moser from Trish McEvoy told us about the latest in makeup. He also mentioned that makeup brushes #41 and #11 were among the most popular of McEvoy's well-regarded brushes. That was worth jotting down for later.

What did I purchase? Surprisingly, M∙A∙C! During my quick shopping scan after the show, I was drawn to three sets from the A Tartan Tale: two eye shadow palettes (Six Dashing Lassie Eye Shadows, shown at left, and Six Reelers & Rockers Eye Shadows) and The Swinging Violets Mineralize Kit, which is a Nordstrom exclusive. I liked the Blush Face Kits too, but they were sold out. I shopped online and ordered them when I got home. I'll show you my M∙A∙C purchases over the next few days.

Will I go to another Beauty Trends Show? I doubt it. I think the novelty has worn off. I like to shop without chaos! Would I encourage you to attend one? Sure! Go with your friends, have breakfast when the show ends, and go back to shop once a few hundred women have cleared out of Nordstrom.

Photos courtesy of the age.com.au, Nordstrom, and M∙A∙C

Consumer Trends for 2010 and Beyond

Cheryl Swanson, Managing Partner at Toniq (a trending, branding, and marketing company) sent an interesting roundup of the consumer trends that will coalesce or emerge in 2010 . From skin care advances to KaBoomers' growing market clout, the Trendscape, as she calls it, will continue to morph at an accelerating pace. Here's a fast-forward of what's in store for us.

Skin Care: The Next Fast Food
Many current skin care products - even some natural ones - are loaded with chemicals and metals, which our bodies absorb on a daily basis while our drains deposit the residue into our water supply. The consumer push-back that began with tobacco and more recently has focused on fast foods will soon be aimed at leading cosmetics companies and faux organic/natural lines as consumers realize their potentially harmful impact on body and environment. Brands like Pangea Organics are leading the charge to a new age of natural, effective, and sustainable skin care lines.

Personal Care Marketers Beware
Personal care marketers like P&G, Unilever, and Colgate-Palmolive need to be prepared for the oncoming consumer rejection of parabens, petroleum, ammonium sulfates, and other chemical "baddies" as they did with trans-fats, high-fructose corn syrup, and MSG in packaged and fast foods. Once the social networks are mobilized against these ingredients, companies need to be ready (SOON!) with natural and efficacious alternatives. As fast-fooders from McD's to Taco Bell have been compelled to post ingredients and caloric totals while developing more balanced menus, so too will personal care brands be forced to heed the growing consumer demand for transparency, accurate labeling, resourcing data, efficacy claims, etc., while true organics will continue to gain market share.

Lux-O-Vending/Lux-iFacts
The Great Recession has brought about a redefinition of luxury, especially in the currently moribund aspirational segment. While some lux brands have responded to "luxury shame" with a more discreet display of their logos, a key shift will be toward the creation of limited-edition affordable designer "artifacts" (Lux-iFacts), especially collectible jewelery, fragrance, accessories, and home objects that represent the designers' level of quality and prestige at friendlier price points. Consumers are tiring of being "frugalistas," shopping only at big box stores or buying on sale. Lux-iFacts allow consumers to indulge their need for quality, design, and prestige with small, yet beautiful pieces.

Marketers will seek to energize their lines with special collections in curated retail/gallery experiences, pop-up showcases, and innovative interactive applications for mobile 24/7 shoppers.

Designer basics will become available in branded vending machines (private clubs, airports, restaurants) - what we call Lux-O-Vending - offering a spectrum of goods from miniature artwork, comfort shoes, accessories, makeup, or in-flight survival kits complete with cashmere travel wrap/blanket, socks/slippers, fragrance, makeup, even technology.

Discovery - AstroH2O
Spatially, and perhaps temporally far off, the lure of off-planet water sources is growing; witness the recent moon bombing and Martian search for water. As world leaders increasingly recognize the impending depletion of this most vital of resources, expect far-sighted corporations to step up to support the search and mobilize brand advocates. Watch for a leading brand to align itself with NASA in the quest over the next two to five years. Outer space will be "in again" soon, out of necessity.

Life on Demand - A Visual Language Imperative
The demand for everything all the time - everywhere - is fast becoming a cultural imperative focused on mobile handsets that present brand marketers the greatest challenge ever. As everything goes mobile - entertainment, education, shopping, information, socializing - the impact on brands is monumental as they attempt to transition from the old brand value/equity proposition (large/larger screens) to the new rich media environment (small/tiny screens).

What happens to the visual brand proposition as the blurring of the online and offline media spaces accelerates? Brands are increasingly challenged to find new means of managing their presence in 2D virtual catalog/storefront Web pages to 3D worlds, on-shelf displays, and pop-up environments. Traditional package design cannot successfully play across a cell phone micro-screen to the giant Times Square video network. Expect a major wave of brand simplification and redesigns in the coming years to cope with the screen revolution.

KaBoomers
Boomers have always had a major impact on marketing and they are about to have another HUGE IMPACT on the marketplace. Why? Marketers are starting to realize the benefit of targeting products to the 50+ demographic. And why not? They've been marketed to their entire lives. They like to shop and spend, have the money, and are open to all product/service categories that will help them "Live Younger Longer." Many 60 year-olds are healthier then 35 year-olds, so watch this market boom over the next 10 years.

KaBoomer wants extend well beyond medicinal and financial services offerings to energy, indulgence, Better-for-You (BFY) fashion, and fun categories that leverage their inherent optimism. This trend could challenge AARP to reinvent itself.

Fun-Frugality 2010
The "Frugalista" movement will continue through 2010, but watch for a growing backlash as our yearning for luxury, indulgence, and designer logos slowly reasserts itself. Brand diehards will end their deprivations and re-emerge to indulge their special interests, while cutting back in less significant categories.

We won't see a return to luxury as we've known it, but will see smaller, regular indulgences in both mass and premium channels. Watch for marketers to appease our needs with little indulgences like logo-covered T-shirts or super premium hot chocolate, as long as it's fun and proving that it doesn't have to cost a lot to mean a lot.

Newbie DIYers
From the affluent to the mainstream, people are doing more for themselves, and they need help. Newbies are learning how to paint a wall, decorate, even clean their own homes (!). Brands have the opportunity to play a key role in this conversation. One great example, Premium Tide, which didn't replace other laundry detergents as much as it substituted for dry-cleaning.

Tweet-Talk & Language Evolving
Twitter is about to have a tsunami-like force on the English language as its 140-character limit seeps into our consciousness, thought processes, writing, and speaking patterns. Tweet-Talk is on the rise as its info-bit status updates and creative abbreviations permeate the collective conversation.

I found Cheryl's information very interesting - the reason for the long post. Now, I'll understand the approach behind the positioning of all kinds of brands I know or discover.

I'm a little disturbed by the possibility of extending our reach for resources to the moon or beyond. We have already done significant damage to our own planet. I'd hate to think we might start to plunder outer space. Can you visualize those scolding aliens?

Logo courtesy of Toniq

Maybelline for Spring 2010

WWD reported that Maybelline is looking to "keep it natural next year, while adding a touch of glamour and sophistication" with Eye Studio, a new color cosmetics line for the fashion-forward set.

Serena Giovi, Vice President of Marketing for Maybelline New York, described the theme seen throughout the division’s first half-year launches as “technology infused with natural ingredients.” She said that more and more customers are seeking out natural products. It's clear that Maybelline is responding to that trend.

Sounds like a smart move. According to Cheryl Swanson, Managing Partner at Toniq, a company that monitors the pulse of cultural trends, personal care marketers...need to be prepared for the oncoming consumer rejection of parabens, petroleum, ammonium sulfates, and other chemical "baddies, similar to consumer rejection of trans-fats, high-fructose corn syrup, and MSG in packaged and fast foods." Once the "social networks" are mobilized against these ingredients, companies need to be ready with natural and effective alternatives. Looks like Maybelline is positioning itself to be ready.

In 2010, Maybelline is reformulating its Instant Age Rewind Radiant Firming Makeup SPF 18 line with goji berry, an ingredient the brand says contains 19 amino acids, over 500 times more vitamin C than oranges, and a complete spectrum of antioxidants. SPF 18 will protect skin from sun damage.

The newest addition to Maybelline's lineup will be The Eraser, a foundation with a micro-corrector applicator “that glides over wrinkles, practically making them disappear,” said Giovi. Along with The Eraser, which will be available in 12 shades and sell for $12.99, is the new Primer Skin Transformer, to be used prior to foundation. It will sell for $9.99.

The Eye Studio Collection, partially shown in the photo above, will add baked eye shadows to the Maybelline selections. I think the green duo looks fun - can't wait to see the collection in the stores.

As always, you will be able to find Maybelline's reformulated and new products at a drugstore or supermarket near you.

Photo courtesy of Maybelline and WWD