BeChicMag.com

Contributing writer Carolina Baker speaks with designer Rebecca Taylor

BeChicMag.com got the chance to live it up during Fashion Week. I was so enthused at getting to ask one of my favorite designers, Rebecca Taylor, some questions about her upcoming Spring 2010 collection. She and her crew were thrilled about debuting their trendy, sexy, comfy designs. I listened closely to her fashion advice, her inspirations and what’s her fav go-to outfit when everything else in her closet fails. I couldn’t wait to get home and share my experience with BeChic’s fashionable readers.

BeChicMag.com: What kind of woman do you have in mind when you’re designing?

Rebecca Taylor: The Spring 2010 Rebecca Taylor girl craves urban, modern and feminine designs to accompany her free spirited life style.

BeChic: Having been to New Zealand, I can attest that it’s very different than NYC. How did you go about adapting to NYC and making it your home?

Rebecca Taylor: I landed in NYC by accident. I was passing through many years ago and the rest is history.

What inspires your work?

Rebecca Taylor: NYC, books, art, music and movies.

What do you feel is different about your 2010 collection than your prior ones?

Rebecca Taylor: Our Spring 2010 collection is sharper. We’ve incorporated strong shoulders and a new, waisted silhouette to enhance the look our it girl wantonly craves. Towering printed sandals and architectural structured stretch dresses are softened with femme corset-inspired bustiers and flippy, fun, pull on printed skirts. Our girl for Spring likes to wear her boyfriend’s blazers and super soft cashmere athletic inspired sweaters thrown over top tiny bondage skirts.

Is there a target of a woman that you envision shopping Rebecca Taylor when you design your collections?

Rebecca Taylor: Our customer is fashion-forward and understands the Rebecca Taylor sensibility. She loves magical details that make each item special.

Do you have any fashion advice to woman out there trying to look chic in this difficult financial environment?

Rebecca Taylor: In this economy, customers should purchase special, emotional pieces that will complement the items in their existing wardrobe.

Do you have a favorite ensemble that you always resort to when everything else in your closet seems to fail?

Rebecca Taylor: Comfortable jeans and a striped tee.

So what did Carolina learn from Rebecca Taylor? To rely on my favorite pair of jeans and to go and get myself a boyfriend blazer to enhance my feminine pieces.

For more on Rebecca Taylor visit her Web site here. - Carolina Baker

Today marks the last day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for Spring 2010, and Bijoux has been keeping up with the looks that dominated the runways. My Beauties, barely-there make up seems to be the “it” look these days! Alberta Ferretti, an Italian fashion designer and dress maker, has owned the look saying it is inspired by the ’60s.

So how do we go noticeably unnoticeable? You can be sure to always count on Bijoux to have the answers.

First, even out the entire skin with the foundation of your choice. I prefer Mac Face & Body Foundation which easily matches your skin tone with an easy-to-blend water resistant formula. Make sure to minimize shine by using Blot Pressed Powder. We must not forget a thin line on the top lid and several coats of mascara.

Finalize the look with a chalky pink lipstick. Apply by using your finger for a matte-like finish. Try Mac Lipstick in Myth.

Until the next Fashion Week in Spring! Bijoux was excited to spill the beans and share some of the runway beauty secrets.

Mac Face & Body Foundation, $32

Blot Powder Pressed, $21

 Mac Lipstick in Myth, $14

Xoxo Beauties,
Simply Bijoux
Twitter me @SimplyBijoux
Have a question for Bijoux, write to me beauty@bechicmag.com

BIJOUX GETS MORE BEAUTY TIPS!

BeChicMag.com wanted to be everywhere. So while our editor was in SoHo, I headed up to Midtown and experienced Fashion’s Night Out with the vibrant and upbeat Too Faced make-up artist crew. They had the crowd going with their bubbly personalities, hourly raffles and music that had you moving to the beat. It was an all around feel-good vibe.

As I sat in the chair for my make-over, I was able to speak with make-up artist Dwight “Allen” O’Neal of Too Faced and he definitely had a lot to share with us. While being pampered, I paid close attention to his great advice and could not wait to share it with all my Beauties.

BeChicMag: Any tips for the everyday woman who may not be so make-up savvy?
Dwight O’Neal: I have learned that New York is all about getting it done in five minutes. My best piece of advice is wear the make-up; don’t let it wear you! Glam it up and do not be afraid of dark colors. The trick is blend, blend, blend.  If you want to step it up a notch, pick one thing and make it pop such as a deep lipstick, intense eyeliner and extra coats of mascara. Or a few extra strokes of blush.

BeChicMag: What is the single most important thing one should not go without?
Dwight O’Neal: For those who are not big on the whole make-up thing, definitely do eyeliner and mascara. It brightens the face and still gives you a fresh look. You can never go wrong.

BeChicMag: What do you suggest are the Top 5 Must Haves?
Dwight O’Neal: Too Faced Make-Up Brushes, Too Faced Magic Wand Illuminating Foundation, Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara, Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Candlelight Powder, and Too Faced Mermaid Lip Gloss.

So what did Bijoux learn from this successful Fashion’s Night Out? Mineral water brightens the eye and brow gel works wonders.

For more on Dwight O’ Neal visit his Web site here. - Simply Bijoux

Check out some of our photos below:

By Mercedes Sanchez

While it took place throughout the entire city, we covered Fashion’s Night Out in SoHo where the streets were full of shoppers and those just trying to get complimentary cocktails and a glimpse of today’s best local and high-end designers and celebrities.

BeChicMag.com stopped by the Vera Wang boutique on Mercer Street where we met the queen of bridal gowns! Vera looked ultra chic with her silky, long black hair as she took photos with fans.

Prince Peter provided the music from his turntable, and we also spoke with American Idol Judge Kara DiGourdi.

On the way home, I bumped into Russell Simmons who was sitting outside texting away on his BlackBerry. Since it was Fashion’s Night Out, we asked the man of wisdom if he would share some advice. Briefly, the Hip Hop mogul told me to keep on doing what I love. He said to stay focused and to not get distracted by superficial things like who has the best shoes. Simmons said that as long as I surround myself with positive people who believe in me and in my project, I shouldn’t give up. Well, thanks Russell!

See this short clip of our Fashion’s Night Out evening in SoHo:

Christian Siriano isn’t hitting The Tents until Saturday for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Yet, BeChicMag.com just got off the phone with the “fierce” designer who spoke about his upcoming Spring 2010 collection!

“It’s all about mixing,” said Siriano who won the fourth season of Bravo’s Project Runway in 2008. “It’s about getting dressed up. My collection is for the overtly glamorous- for the woman who loves evening cocktail dresses. She definitely has a social calendar. It can also be for the downtown girl who has an edgy look and likes to wear jackets or blazers over her jeans. It’s advanced dressing”.

Siriano is truly today’s modern renaissance man as he can do it all! This is his third season at Fashion Week. In addition to having a limited collection at Payless and his first make-up line for Victoria’s Secret, his designs just got picked up by Saks Fifth Avenue and his first book will hit stores in October.

“It’s called Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self,” says the 23-year-old. “It includes tips and quotes from celebrities”.

I asked the design genius how he does it all?

“I’m tired. No more projects for now. I hit my limit max. But it depends if another opportunity comes along”.

And for you aspiring designers, Christian has some great advice that you must follow if you want to make it in the industry. “Definitely start as an intern,” says Siriano. “Being in the environment is amazing. Try to work for younger designers even if they’re not well known. My interns know everything about me. I give them real tasks. You’ll learn a lot and be very hands on, even if it’s for a no-name designer”.

Christian Siriano will debut his Spring 2010 collection at the Promenade in Bryant Park on Saturday!- Mercedes Sanchez