La Vie est Belle

Each season I sample the aromatic blends of perfumes introduced to the fragrance market in search of a new sensory statement. I love sweet, white floral fragrances that are simultaneously feminine and powerful. Not only do I want to experience olfactory indulgence, but I want to also be visually stimulated. This fall, Lancôme’s, La Vie est Belle, caught my eye and captured my sense of smell. Lancôme commissioned the artistic creation of a square shaped bottle, envisioned by George Delhomme in 1949, encapsulating a crystal smile to personify the declaration, La Vie est Belle (Life is Beautiful). This autumn, Lancôme perfumers created an ambrosial blend of iris and gourmand to achieve a seductive, yet sweet fragrance like none other. La Vie est Belle, envelopes your body in a redolent veil stunning for day or night wear.

Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look @ the Brooklyn Public Library

From the pulse of hip hop street wear, the pomp of dancehall inspired fashion, the colors of carnival rhythm, the fluid fabric of Latin flair, the refinement of classic prep, and the ostentatious designer labels, Brooklyn fashion is alive in its most organic, creative and individualistic forms. Brooklyn’s finest are bedecked with garments and accessories from independent designers to the most iconic fashion houses.

Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look is the Brooklyn Public Library's featured fashion art installation. The Central Library at Grand Army Plaza showcases the work of some of Brooklyn and New York’s most prominent fashion illustrators including, Samantha Hahn, Autumn Whitehurst, and the late Antonio Lopez (1943-1987). Among those highlighted is Selina Alko, children’s book author and illustrator. Curated by Brandon Graham, Fashion for men, women, children and everyone in between, is represented in this exhibit, Fashion Illustration.

Graham is an expert on fashion illustration, designer and creator of WouldYouRockThis.com. Graham brings awareness to fashion illustration, how it impacts fashion retail and its continued struggle with photography. Now through December 1, 2012 Fashion Illustration: A Contemporary Look has a series of events surrounding the exhibition. This week the featured event is an author talk with Samantha Hahn and Laird Borrelli on Saturday, October 20, 2012, 4:00pm at the Dweck Center. Consult the Brooklyn Public Library website for other fabulous featured events and the upcoming Fashion in Film series, Tuesdays at 6:30pm.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Although, I love dramatic eyes, I usually shy away from full coverage make- up. In the past, foundations have been limited in their color spectrum, often forcing me to mix 2-3 different shades to find one close to my own. In recent years, the prominence of people of color patronizing the beauty industry has forced companies to expand the shades offered in make-up foundations. Quickly faded is the sun kissed complexion that the summer months bring. I wanted something lightweight to even my complexion. I love Laura Mercier’s products and this fall I decided to explore her line of tinted moisturizer. I am enamored with the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 and found my perfect match with “walnut.” It’s sheer and non- greasy, but yet gently moisturizers, smoothes wrinkles, and evens out flaws. You can totally use the tinted moisturizer alone for a completely natural flawless look or choose the Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Illuminating for a gilded glow. The oil-free formula is wonderful for those concerned about shine control. Laura Mercier offers an extensive palette of color from Porcelain to Mocha and at least 10 shades in between. Apply to clean skin with a foundation brush using short downward strokes for a beautiful visage.