New York Fashion Week: Trip to the Creative Nail Design Studio

During New York Fashion Week, I visited the Creative Nail Design Studio to chat with the top nail pros about the nails they have created, in collaboration with the participating designers. CND nail technician Shelena Robinson was hard at work, crafting 40 sets of talons for the Baby Phat show. She meticulously layered Gold Chrome (to be released in Fall 2009) over Iced Capuccino. She told me that layering is one of the trends that CND is seeing for fall; it gives the nail a unique look, and is something women can easily do at home.

When I asked how long it takes to complete 40 sets of nails - like at Baby Phat - nail technician Kristina Baune explained that it takes 6-7 hours, especially with layered nail polish because the first color must completely dry before applying the second color. Otherwise, you run the risk of dragging and/or smearing.

Kristina said that the main nail color trend she predicts for fall is gray undertones. "Colors will be dirty and smoky, whether they be beige, pastels or reds. Gray isn't as hard to wear as black. It wears a little bit softer so it's not as dramatic when it gets all chipped up. It's great for every day. It's a great staple."

I concluded the interview by putting both technicians on the spot - asking them to name their favorite CND nail colors. Without really hesitating, Shelena put High Blue Dark, NFS and Decadence at the top of her list. Kristina's favorites include Blue Blood (discontinued), Hyde in the Dark and Red Baroness.

Last Fashion Week, the New York Times published The Unsung Heroes of Fashion Week, a fascinating slideshow that chronicles the work of CND artists. With a voiceover by Natasha Singer, the video captures the painstaking process these talented technicians underake to accessorize the nails at Fashion Week's hottest shows. If you're a nail phile, you really must take a look!

#NYFW

Girl You Know It's True: A Smiling Angel Shouldn't Have Crooked Teeth

Last Friday, little Lin Miaoke performed “Ode to the Motherland” for a global audience at the Olympic opening ceremonies in Beijing, China. Dubbed a "smiling angel," she captured the hearts of viewers around the world, and became an overnight media darling.

But as it turns out, the production team pulled a Milli Vanilli bait-and-switch, of Olympic proportions. The New York Times reports:

Under pressure from the highest levels of the ruling Communist Party to find the perfect face and voice, the ceremony’s production team concluded the only solution was to use two girls instead of one. Miaoke, a third grader, was judged cute and appealing but “not suitable” as a singer. Another girl, Yang Peiyi, 7, was judged the best singer but not as cute. So when Miaoke opened her mouth to sing, the voice that was actually heard was a recording of Peiyi.

And it is unclear if Miaoke even knew.

“The reason was for the national interest,” explained Chen Qigang, general music designer of the opening ceremonies, who revealed the deception during a Sunday radio interview. “The child on camera should be flawless in image, internal feeling and expression.”

To read the New York Times article in its entirety, click here.

Membership Has Its Privileges: Ideeli.com

Look at my luscious new handbag. Don’t you just love it? For the past few weeks, I’ve been tempted by quite a few pretty purses. But something told me to hold out…to wait for true love. And as soon as I laid my eyes on this heavenly handbag, I thanked that little voice inside my head.

The “Laguna” bag from Abaco, a hard-to-find French label, retails for $750. But I scooped this baby up (in dove gray) for just $250 – thanks to Ideeli.com.

Ideeli is a members-only shopping community for trendsetting women. The website offers authentic, luxury handbags, jewelry, sunglasses, and more…for up to 90% off the original price! There are 4 to 6 shopping events per week, plus incredible giveaways – like this Tessuto Multicolor Tote by Prada (original price: $1650.00).

Ideeli has been featured in O Magazine and The New York Times. And here’s what cnet News.com had this to say about Ideeli: "It's Woot.com meets 'The Devil Wears Prada.'"

If you love the idea of paying $239 for a $600 pair of Christian Lacroix shoes, or $110 for $350 Gucci sunglasses – get thee to Ideeli. There's just one catch …Ideeli.com membership is by referral only. Lucky for you, I’m a member. If you want to join the club (membership is free), email me at fotohotcewek@gmail.com - be sure to include the email address where you would like your invite delivered.

You’re welcome.