Just Glam Cosmetics Beauty Vault: Smokey Eye

Hey fam, hope everyone is having a Happy Holiday season. It has definitely been an extremely hectic one for me but I promise things will be back to normal really soon. Here's another Beauty Vault from Nicole of Just Glam Cosmetics . The tricks of the trade for a "drop dead gorgeous" smokey eye.

Great Tips... Thanks Nicole!

Visit Just Glam Cosmetics here!

Chic Pick: Alexander Mc Queen Clutches

Every now and then we try to find high end pieces for the infamous "Chic Pick" posts ,whether clothing or accesssories to inspire us for the next shopping event. Ofcourse, no average girl on a budget would be able to afford a $2,000 or + Alexander Mc Queen clutch but it wouldn't hurt to use this as inspiration for a trip to Top Shop, Aldo or even Forever 21. As much as we love to splurge here and there we do love a durable bargain product especially in the midst of the holiday season with the countless cocktail parties and soriees. A unique designed clutch would be the ultimate must-have staple for the Christmas list. A new year is around the corner trust us when we say it will come in handy.

Kate Spade NY: PS-I Made This Book Launch + D.I.Y Event

photo credit:  Style Republic Magazine 

On Tuesday evening when the New York temperatures were moderately fair enough for the mini skirt and heels, I made it down to the brick roads of Soho to Kate Spade's  + P.S- I Made This.. . book launch and D.I.Y event. It was a fun night of crafting, drinks and creative connections and ofcourse receiving a signed copy of the book. The festive ambiance of the Kate Spade Store were great competitors with the bright D.I.Y custom canvas tots complimentary of Erica Domsek of P.S-I made the highly crafty tumblr site. The style savvy crowd including Style Republic Magazine, Lonny Mag, Design*Sponge, Fashionista.com and AndrewMukamal were also on the seen creating fun crafty projects. I'm pretty sure my obsession with D.I.Y and Kate Spade's accessories are duly noted so with that being said the night was so much fun for everyone in the room. It was so enticing to see the creations from sharpies, sparkling gems, ribbons and a glue gun on a brand new signature Kate Spade London tote . Which reminds me to inform you that the Kate Spade Holiday Collection carries a few must have pieces you need to add to your Christmas list this season!

Photo: The Chic Notebook

Photos: wireimages

Anniversary Giveaway Winners

I'm so nervous yet excited to announce the winners of these two fabulous prices. The winners were chosen randomly by a close friend of the blog's. There will be another giveaway coming up this week for frequent readers, supporters and comments so please don't feel disappointed if you did not win this round. I know there's much anticipation so without further ado here are the two winners...

NINA LACSON

&

ANITA DARLING UBHI

Send an email to thechicnotebook@gmail.com with your giveaway choice, full name, address and twitter to claim your prize.

Remember there's one in each giveaway so please send in your emails ASAP with your choice. There will be another drawing if emails aren't in before Monday November 29th 7pm Eastern.

Thank you everyone for participating, reading, commenting and all the anniversary greetings. Look out for the next giveaway really soon.

2010 American Music Awards Red Carpet Fashion

Like many of you I can't seem to miss an award show unless I really have to. So I was one the seen (well...not literally) tweeting about my favorite performances with my twitter pals and I must say as usual no matter how boring or exciting an award show is, this is alot of fun. Here are some of my best looks, although I may be missing many.

The "Only Girl In The World" Rihanna and Natasha Bedingfield "Pocket Full Of Sunshine" walked the red carpet at the 2010 American Music Awards both rocking lace frocks. One thing for sure, Rihanna is  

owning the red hair. Love the curls and her performance is something we can discuss lol

Any thoughts on Natasha Bedingfield's dress?

Taylor Swift wowed everyone with her new look. Not only did she change up her hair, which is usually tight curly locks; Taylor took a different route from her normal flirty dresses and bold lips to a more sophisticated grown up look. Snagging an AMA and performing one of my favorite songs off her album Speak Now "Back to December", Taylor Swift proves herself yet again.

Jessica Alba, the fashionably and incomparable Willow Smith and Songstress Fergie were all part of the show. For those who havent seen the show, Willow introduced Justin Beiber and Jessica Alba presented Taylor Swift with her award. Fergie however performed with her band mates from the Black Eyed Peas. 

Jessica Alba gave us a mininal look, a simple black one shoulder dress with gold accessories and a sleek ponytail. We may call Willow Smith the younger version of Rihanna but we know one thing for sure, she always gets it right, and even if you may not agree she portrays herself with confiedence with everything she wears. Fergie however gave us a sequined frock with sculpted hips and much detailing. Discuss your favorite part of the show below...

The Chic Notebook's Anniversary Giveaways

When I first created this forum, it was merely an avenue to reflect my thoughts exclusively for friends and family. Over the past few months this alley has permitted me so many opportunities and surprises and I've met so many great people. Today I'm happy to extend a hand of celebration to my readers and visitors. It's The Chic Notebook's second year anniversary and I've promised my twitter followers a giveaway so lets get right into it!

Two or more but shhhhhh! lucky readers will get the chance to win either this fabulous set of glosses from Mascara Traveler Set from Estee Lauder  or a Benefit Cosmetics kit . This is the first of a series of giveaways! All you have to do is leave a comment under this post!

***Contest ENDS Wednesday November 24th 2010 at 8pm Eastern***

The winner will be announced shortly after via email!

Home Decor: Sheep Skin Rug

photo via Ikea

There's nothing more comforting than the perfect clean space with excellent decor. The lighting, colors, space and equipment plays an important role. As much as I love fashion and studying designers and touching and feeling garments thats probably worth almost the price of my belongings, home decor is as essential as a fully fledged trendy ensemble. I cannot function or produce anything in cluster and the size of a space does not determine how clustered a space really is. The Chic Notebook  think its fair to bring you a few pieces that will add character to your space. Be excited for a few of our most stylist yet affordable additions...

Sheep Skin Rugs

This cozy fluffed piece is perfect for both living room and bedroom floors. I love this piece and can see it on my floors and for $39.99 it's totally worth it. PETA supporters don't miss out on this fun piece, you can shop around for faux rugs as well.

Would love to hear your thoughts on the first home decor pick! Shop for this IKEA Sheep Skin Rug HERE...  

Chic Obsession: Red Bags

While feeding into my wildly obsessive street style hunt for daily inspirations I stumbled on the blog Style Sighting  and immediately fell in love. While browsing one thing caught my attention. Fashion is much more than mixing and matching outfits. Its sometimes the little most simplistic things that count. So maneuvering this battered cursor through the photos on this site I came across a recurring trend with bold bags. Not that it's new, but in some ways we need to be mindful that no matter how minimal an outfit maybe a funky shoe or bold colored handbag (for instance these red bags) can add character to the look.

So with that being said we've scouted a few choices for you from ASOS.COM  

photos via Style Sightings and Asos.

Holiday Beauty Inspiration: Metallic Lips

The holidays are slowly approaching I am trying to find as much style and beauty inspiration for the season as I possibly can. I'm sure readers are doing the same for the upcoming holiday parties, Scorpio/Sagittarius or Capricorn birthdays, a night out on the town with Santa and his elves( or maybe just your girlfriends), dinner, shows e.t.c. Its one of the most wonderful times of the year therefore we're required to have the most fabulous holiday style and makeup ideas. The Chic Notebook  will be giving you readers much inspiration for the approaching holiday season. 

Its rare to find lipsticks with a naturally vintage look and feel to it. So when I saw this model from Rodarte's Spring 2010 collection on TeenVogue my thoughts were that it is probably less wearable but with the perfect pigment, pout, hair and makeup as well as the head to toe ensemble it can totally work. 

gold metallic lips

Here are some beauty products you should consider...

Rihanna Wears Marchesa Spring 2011 Gown to EMA's

Rihanna made one stop out of many in Europe this weekend and this time she was spotted on the red carpet at the EMA's before a live performance. Rihanna is known for giving us some great red carpet looks so this one followed suite. I'm entirely in love with Marchesa and the Spring 2011 collection was absolutely genius. This Marchesa gown with ruched/floral detailing and a gorgeous soft hue goes excellent with her flamboyant red hair.  Kudos to Ri's team for a well executed red carpet look.

What do you think?

Chic Obsession: Lanvin for H&M

So we're in a new style era. The moment Jean Paul Gautier collaborated with Target it was confirmed. Its an era where high end fashion houses produces capsule collections for retailers so that everyone has access to that glamourous life. Mathew Williamson and Jimmy Choo haved definitely paved the way for everyone's favorite LANVIN; well by now you should know that the designs are out, the full collection. It's everywhere on the web, you cant miss it! With that being said I'm sure you'd agree that the entire collection is GENIUS, every single piece. The Chic Notebook has a few favorites we'd like to share with you... See you at  H&M on the 20th!

What are your favorite pieces? We also love the accessories from this line.

Interview: Tasha Robinson of Imperfect Concepts

How thrilled will you be if you found out that affordable offers from some of everyone's favorite high end designers are literally right at your finger tips? Intelligence, a sense of style and a unique approach to conquering an online niche made it all possible. Allow me to introduce you to Tasha Robinson the owner the  luxurious online boutique Imperfect Concepts. The Chic Notebook held an exclusive Q & A with the style savvy entrepreneur and business owner for an insight on the background of her boutique, what's trendy as well as an inside scoop and advice on making and breaking it in online fashion retail.

Beauty 101: Try A Dark Berry Lip

Before I go all out to educate and inform you that a dark berry lip is one of this season's hottest stains for the above skin tones, I will also let you know that I'm a rookie at wearing bold lips. If you're an avid reader of this blog you would remember my tips and ideas on wearing brights lacquers but as gorgeous as they looked on the face of Beyonce or Rihanna I was still reluctant to try a bold lip. A little inspiration from PurpleALaMode (for my favorite MAC lavender shade) and TheStyleAndBeautyDoctor (the hottest YSL vintage red ever) I now consider myself a pro and would rock any shade that works well with my complexion if you dare. With that being said, I've met people just like myself who has a hard time pumping up the boldness in their shades. My advice, take it one hue at a time eventually and eventually you'll get there. 

Okay, so I love this shade. Like I really do love this dark berry lip color. The perfect day and night lacquer! and to avoid looking to dark, go soft on the eyes. Well defined lashes, nude exterior gives this look a perfect finish and less gothic.

berry Lipstick

Will you be trying this dark berry hue? If you have share your thoughts...

Street Chic: Erika Style Activist

It is not very often that you would come across a young style savvy young lady that is the exact epitome of CHIC. During New York's Fashion Week IFB held their semi annual conference at the Hudson Hotel where I was granted the opportunity to meet so many fashion bloggers. Everyone was in the house, from Bryan Boy,  Suzie of Style Bubble as well as the curator of the famous Lookbook.nu. Among the shuffling of business cards, inspirational as well as not so inspiring presentations and a few glasses of wine, I met Erika of Style Activist  (great personality might I add) and from here on I've become an avid reader of her blog. She drives creativity, personality and fun to her ensembles so with the launch of the new and improved Street Chic (an extended forum for personal style), I've decided to have Erika The Style Activist share some information with you... 

How To Pair Colored Solid Pieces

Photo credit: Byju Devan  

A fashion faux pas goes a long way and if this were anything like the era a few seasons ago, both Rihanna and Blake Lively would be under arrest in the latter pages of US Weekly's Fashion Police. I remember the days when mix-match outfits were a no-go. Too much color in one ensemble were for clowns and its counter parts at the circus. Too bad this generation of style is throwing rules and regulations out the door and pushing envelopes to express themselves. The fashionably inclined hit series Gossip Girls, raising fashion icon and the tastemakers behind Gucci's Spring 2011 gives pairing bold colored solid it's stamp of approval. You know, the go ahead to pair a royal blue trouser with a shimmery gold blazer like Blake while filming an episode of GG in Paris or Rihanna's high wasted orange pants and a purple cropped sweater while doing her usual catwalk meets sidewalk in Europe. The key to wearing these pieces isn't magic, however there are factors to keep in mind while excecuting the look. When it comes to pairing bold colored solids less is more, that means little to no accessories will be just fine. We're in an era where most of the rules of dressing are out the window but this one is a keeper: WEAR PIECES THAT COMPLIMENTS YOUR FIGURE. Rihanna made it okay to walk around with a beautifully toned stomach and it definitely works for her, but let me put it like this, it's not for everyone. Try tucking your blouse like Blake or throw on accessories (not necessarily jewelry). Multicolored pieces are out of the equation, keep the bold solid pattern throughout your ensemble, take this model lead spotted on the runway at Gucci's Spring 2011 runway show. Thoughts?

Accessories Report: Crystal Head Bands

Get a little flirtatious with your choice of accessories. A girly bedazzled, sequin or jewel piece will give you an extra "girly" and glam look. 

crystal hair bands

Chic Pick: Alexander Wang Sachel Bag

After the studded duffle bag Alexander Wang went down in our Notebook as "One of the best handbag designers"... Take notes, because if this Sachel vintage bag doesnt catch your eye then you probably need to retake Chic 101. The excess strapping and it's the perfect size for the girl on the go!

Is it splurge worthy? or do you think there are some great steals out there?

Pre order at Opening Ceremony  ...

Look Of The Day: Ciara

Ciara was one of many celebs who walked the red carpet at Tyler Perry's "For Colored Girls" premier lastnight in NYC. Ciara's style has definitely evolved ever since "Goodies" and her first two albums but lately she's taken a fully fledged high fashion route with her style. I'm all for a effortless minimal look, so as Ciara decided to leave the thigh high biker boots and fur for a simple little black dress, hot leopard print booties and a gorgeous pink lip I couldn't help but give her The Chic Notebook's "Look Of The Day".

Fall/Winter Essentials: Neutral Cashmere Sweater

One of the best things I love about shopping for the frigid temperatures is knowing that some of your key    pieces will last  for a few more seasons. Lets face it, I'm sure we all have that one dress, shirt or shoe for the past six years that absolutely nothing would make us get rid of it. Nothing screams stylish, warm and comfy more than a clean cut cashmere sweater. Cropped, crew and turtle necks are some of my favorite types of sweaters that I try to add a new twist to revamp its look. While we're in the midst of reigning bold neutrals in particular beige, creme and off-white hues, stylista's Rihanna and Olivia Palermo shows you how to wear a neutral cashmere. Detailing and accessorizing adds a dash of excitement to any boring staple. The Chic Notebook's shopping tip for this Fall/Winter essential is durability. Remember bargain shopping can be fun and easy but it's also good to invest in that one item that wont wear or tear.

beige cashmere sweaters

Thoughts?

Entertainment: Kanye's "Runaway" Short Film

Here's Kanye's Runaway film starring Selita Ebanks.

Share your thoughts...

Street Style

Stockholm Street Style maybe one of our favorite Street Style blogs and since it's based in Paris this is more reason to visit everyday. Their fashion is just impeccable. Spotted on a recent feature, was this beautiful young lady. Her ensemble is so effortless and works perfectly! Tweed jacket, cargo shorts paired with black laced leggings and booties are too cute. Best night and day look, trade the boots in with some pumps or platform shoes and the pocket book for a bold clutch and there you have it. From running errands to a dinner party. The Chic Notebook approves ... Check out their site for daily style inspiration. HERE!!!

POSH AGENCY LLC WINE TASTING TRIP

This is what happens when a group of fun, style savvy New York City Girls get together. According to Rashida, Sandra and LaToya," POSH AGENCY LLC is a boutique firm geared towards servicing a sophisticated clientele"...That means you! Join these 3 POSH ladies for an exciting trip to the Wine Country on November 6th, it's promised to be an experience of a lifetime. See You There!!!

Keep up with POSH on FACEBOOK and TWITTER .

Rihanna and Lala Keeps Summer Alive With Bright Florals

I'm pretty sure Lala and Rihanna got the memo on earth tones, carmel, military, leopard and all these exciting patterns and trends for the fall. Come on, with a stylist like Mariel Hann and a growing icon (yes I said icon, it's still growing on me) Rihanna and style savvy Lala has this covered. This is why they threw all rules out the window and brought out the brights. Who said summer was only three months? Lala's strapless mini and Ri's skirt and cardigan set is the epitome of bold florals. Their figures, hair and makeup compliments their garden inspired attire which I love. 

Are you wearing bold florals this fall? or are they below your storage bin. I joined the dark on dark bandwagon this fall but this is inspiration to pull out the bold pieces atleast once during this cold season.

And speaking of Rihanna... have you seen her new video? 

If not here's Ri's "Only Girl In The World"...

Photo credit: Theybf and RihannaDaily...

Look Of The Day: Raven Symone

Think of Raven Symone as the queen of minimalist. Whether its red carpet, appearances, tv, her ensembles are always so minimal yet energetic just as her character. Celebrity DJ Beverly Johnson brought the celebrities out on the pink carpet for the annual Black Girls Rock event in NYC. It's an award show honoring primarily ladies in entertainment  who has made a lasting impression on the community. This time around Black Girls Rock has collaborated with BET to bring you this exciting event that will empower the youth. Raven Symone has definitely inspired many, she's made it cool to be the good successful girl in Hollywood so BGR salutes her.

Back to her ensemble... Raven wore a bright green, simple A line dress paired with a black straped heel. 

What throws the look together perfectly is her effortless hair and makeup. Her flowing curls with burnt edges adds character to her entire ensemble. Groomed eye brows, smokey eyes, and a fresh nude lip has this starlet glowing. So feminine, so flirtatious, yet edgy. Love the look...

What do you think?

Just Glam: October Beauty Vault

Cancer Awareness Month

The master mind behind the cosmetic brand Just Glam has teamed up with The Chic Notebook to bring you "October Beauty Vault".  Get familiar with the name Nicole Caldwell as her momentum has garnered spots in Heart & Soul, Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Flawless Hair Designs Magazine, City Flightr Magazine, The Examiner and Front row, just to name a few. While raising awareness for Cancer, Nicole brings great beauty finds and encourages readers to Think Pink. 

More on Nicole and Just Glam Cosmetics? Visit her website. 

Actress Malinda Williams article on Just Glam in Essence 

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Chic Pick: The Blonds Spring 2011

Last on the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week roaster but certainly not least. I had the privilege of working with The Blonds team for their Spring 2011 show and let me just say mission well executed. A fun and exciting show is always my NYFW icing on the cake! So with the tornado at its peak and pouring rain in the NYC streets I made my way to Milk Studios in the Meat Packing District (directly across the DVF store) to work The Blonds. This post may be somewhat biased but I'm pretty sure that you would agree with me when I say that these corsets are too die for! Here is The Chic Report's long overdue "Chic Pick" post. Jewels, sequins, pearls are just a few gommettes used to create a dazzling embellished pieces as seen in the photos.

D.I.Y P.S- I made this... Denim Messenger Bag

I may not be able to ditch all of my unhealthy obsessions with you but what I will share is my love for the best D.I.Y site to hit the web  PS I Made This . The ladies of Fashionista sat with Erica Domesek to create a crafty messenger bag of denim shorts... What the video               

Video credit: Fashionista.com 

Earth Tone Hues For Fall

I'm a firm believer in translating summer to fall pieces. After going all out to get the best trendy staples this summer it would be heart wrenching to see them all go to the bottom of storage. As much as I believer in making your pieces work all year round, I also stand by revamping and freshening your look as the seasons change. This summer it was all about the floral, digital prints, bright geometric patterns, bold colors so as we slowly sip into the mood of fall I'm creating a new wardrobe.

January is when we make all our new years resolutions of what we should accomplish in the upcoming year, we sometimes tend to change our image whether is style or beauty but in Vogue's September Issue Documentary it was made official that September is the fashion's new year. So while you go back to school, back to work, back to wearing those lace up boots and cashmere pieces let's incorporate in little trendy pattern. Earth tone hues can help with this transition.

H and M trench.

This JCrew model is wearing a full earth tone ensemble. Khaki jacket mixed with the different ground shades of brown and grey makes it even more fun...

Nicholas K models.

photos via Style.com

Front Row At New York Fashion Week

Ever asked yourself what does it take to sit front row at Mercedez Benz Fashion Week? Although I may not know the complete answer to this I know one: star power. Kelly Cutrone made it very clear that if you're not seated in the first three rows at the tents then you're literally a "nobody" but is that really true? After reading" If You Have To Cry", watching "Kell On Earth" and of course "The City" religiously I've gained so much knowledge from this PR extraordinaire but I really don't see anybody beyond third row a "nobody". In my opinion it's a privilege to even get standing. For those of you who aren't familiar with fashion show seating's, "standing" is basically the people in the backdrop....standing. Of course, buyers and celebrities, get front row seats because they're basically the ones who can make or break a collection in this day and age. But is it overrated to score a front row seat? Immediate access to the collections on the web and backstage access to attendees have made it easier for the media to get an up close and personal view of the collection so is it really forth seeing front row? I would love to score a front row seat at a show, and of course predict Anna Wintour's "It" pieces for Vogue just  by her expressions. We're on to the 7th day of New York Fashion Week where celebs and the "whose-who" in the fashion industry have been spotted in front row.

Angela Simmons front row at Betsey Johnson

Kelly Rowland front row at BCBG

Kanye West graced front row at Rodarte

Kristin Cavallari also graced front row at Badgley Mishka.

Olivia Palermo front row at Monique Lhuillier

Gabriel union front row at Tracy Reese

The Chic Notebook will be front row one day!