New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014

I had trouble sleeping last night because I was so excited for this morning. I'm flying into NYC today for Fashion Week! Last year was my first year attending and it was a ton of fun, but extremely intense. I had great NYC blogger friends (shout out to the Collective!) who gave me advice and tips, but it was still a really hectic week!

Me at Daily lounge during NYFW '12

This year I feel much more prepared, but I'm sure it will be just as much of a whirlwind as it was last year. If you'll be in town for your first Fashion Week in NYC, here are my tips to you (paying it forward!):

• Stay organized by adding all of your shows to Google Calendar or some kind of calendar that will send you reminders. Sync this with your phone so you have it handy at all times. Make sure to add physical and email addresses into the invite details.
• Leave yourself time to get in between shows. Basically, don't overbook yourself! Map out the shows on a map if they're not all in Lincoln Center to make sure you have enough time to get from one to the other.
• There is a lot of pressure to wear horribly uncomfortable shoes to look good...if you must, pack comfortable ones in your purse to switch out in between shows.
• Bring band aids for blisters. There's a lot of walking to be done!
• Pack your make up for touch ups. It's going to be a warm weekend and you may work up a sweat getting between shows. You always want to be camera ready when at shows.
• Gift bags and swag are great, but remember that you will have to carry these bags around all day...so keep this in mind and only take what you truly want. 
• Bring snacks!
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 
• Fashion show etiquette: If you RSVP for a party or show, go! If you can't make it, email your contact and let them know. Chances are, there are several people on a waiting list, wanting to attend.

If you can't make it to NYC but want to stay up to date with shows, trends and the behind the scene action, check out the following....

• Some designers are streaming their shows live from their websites or YouTube channels. For example, Rebecca Minkoff is starting to stream at 3pm EST on Sept 6. Tune in for show and behind the scenes action. Live stream can be viewed from www.rebeccaminkoff.com.
• The official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week site will also be live streaming some shows. 
• Popsugar.com/Fashion is providing up to date coverage all week.  
• Pinterest has a Fashion Week page to keep up to date on fashion forward pins. Check it out here.
• Last but not least, Fashion and Beauty bloggers are also a good resource to check out during and after Fashion Week to get the behind the scenes scoop and pictures from the runway. Check out these NYC blogger Instagram accounts:
• instagram.com/fashionistanygirl
• instagram.com/alexshook
• instagram.com/nessasusana
• instagram.com/lolbeauty
• instagram.com/starcrossedsml  
• instagram.com/beautyinnewyork
• instagram.com/fashionablypetit 
• instagram.com/jaclynsiu
• instagram.com/digitalgent
• instagram.com/thetinytierant
• instagram.com/collegewalk   
• instagram.com/lipglossbreak - that's me!

Bobbi + Katie Collection

The Bobbi Brown and Katie Holmes' makeup collaboration has launched: the Bobbi & Katie Collection. Such a beautiful palette!

Katie is the brand's first ever celebrity face. She worked closely with Bobbi to create 'a capsul collection designed to for the on-the-go needs of modern women like Bobbi and Katie themselves.'

Now available at all Bobbi Brown Cosmetics counters and at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com, the collection includes a palette for eyes, cheeks and lips, along with a brush set, all housed in a chic and trim bag perfectly sized for your purse (which means it's travel friendly, even better!).  

Zoya Cashmere Collection

I couldn't get to this collection fast enough to swatch on my nails, so I decided to give you sneak peak on a nail wheel. This is Zoya's Cashmere collection. The colors are so rich and perfect for Fall. Now that we're into September, I think it's time to go darker on my nails... 

My favorite colors from this line are Livingston and Sailor. Livingston is a bright red that will be fun to wear with neutral color clothing, especially with black, it will really pop. Sailor is a deep, deep, blue that I will wear to an upcoming University of Michigan tailgate for sure. It can look black in some light. With leather in this Fall, this will look great paired with a leather jacket or a top with black leather trim.

I'll report back on the wear time for this line in a later post. In the meantime, please leave me a comment below and let me know what your favorite Fall nail polish is...

Labor Day Sales

What's a holiday weekend without sales? Here are a few that caught my eye...

Bloomingdales - Big Brown Bag Sale, 20-65% off select items
Nordstrom - Tons of marked down items and 40% of shoe sale
Perfumania - 20% off sitewide through Sept 2., enter LABOR20
Neiman Marcus - September Real Deal sale, up to 50% off on items
ShoeMall.com - 25% off sitewide and free shipping through Sept 3, enter LABORDAY at checkout
Express - 40% off everything, no coded needed
Tarte Cosmetics - 15% off, enter LDAY at checkout
Juicy Couture - 30% off dresses and rompers through Sept 2.
J.Crew - 25% off denim

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

Mama Fashionista: Do you know Joey New York? Let Quinn introduce you to her Fab Five Favorites from this cult fave brand!

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Aftelier Perfumes Lavender Face Elixir with Clary Sage and Cistus is an amazing potent anti-aging oil serum that is sure to delight the skin and senses!

TheFabZilla: It's the perfect brick red lipstick. See TheFabZilla's fascination with Givenchy Le Rouge Intense Color Sensuously Matte Lipstick 308 Rouge D' Exception

BeautyTidbits: Still looking for the perfect daily sunscreen for your oily, acne-prone skin? Head over to BeautyTidbits to find an SPF moisturizer that won't leave your oily skin cringing!

Painted Ladies: The Foreo Luna isn't just another Clarisonic knock off. Find out what makes this nifty facial cleanser a skincare must!

My Highest Self: New contributor Miranda reviews Mary Kay Makeup Finishing Spray!

D.G.S.Beauty: D.G.S.Beauty has the perfect compact and travel friendly eyeshadow and blush palette. See what she has to say about the BH Cosmetics San Francisco Palette

A Little Polish: Looking for something to spruce up your stamping manicures? Stephanie shows us how stamping over a sponged base can create a whole new look!

In Her Makeup Bag: Stephanie shows her super simple ombre nails using Sally Hansen Pacific Blue!

Geniabeme: Check out the Couture Gel Nail Kit! It lets you do salon quality nails at home!

Beauty by Miss L: Does Wet n Wild Fergie Turn Up The Volume Mascara really turns up the promised volume & length?

Advice Sisters/Leather and Lace Advice: How you smell makes a powerful statement. Alison of The Advice Sisters and Leather and Lace Advice has Written a "Fragrance How-to"

Icy Nails: Icy Nails shares Ageless Derma Lip Polish is Petal Pink. Beautiful and nourishing, it makes lips pretty and plush.

Beauty Professor: Ever on a foundation hunt, the Beauty Professor weighs in on the NARS Radiant Cream Compact Foundation with a review and video!

The Dark Side of Beauty : The Dark Side of Beauty finds a drugstore dupe for the YSL Midnight Garden palette in the Revlon eyeshadow palette in 'Muse'.

Pammy Blogs Beauty : Are you ready for Fall Fashion? Pammy Blogs Beauty previews some Fall OOTDs (outfits of the day) with her latest boots from JustFab and some cute tees from Before + Again!

Tailgating Season

Well it's that time of year again....the weather is getting cooler, fall clothing fills the racks, and it's college football season!

As I've gotten older my tailgating 'tastes' have evolved, but nonetheless, I can still throw a great tailgate! Here are some some tips for food, logistics and of course, fashion....

• Go early to get a good spot! At the University of Michigan, you wanted to be on the one of the golf courses. This is where the parties were at! 
• Start your day off with caffeine, drink coffee! I'd go to Tim Horton's and get one of the big carafes of coffee. It was always a crowd pleaser. Feel free to top with Kahlua. 
• Libations! Jello shots are also a lot of fun, especially when in your team's colors.
• Tailgating games: corn hole, flip cup, beer pong
• Costco is your best friend. Buy things in bulk to save money. In my experience, tailgates tend to blend together so you may end up feeding your tailgating neighbors.
• If you want to keep it simple buy sub sandwiches. Easy to eat and always a crowd pleaser. 
• Buy lots of water, especially for after the game.
• Always wear your team's colors. Don't be one of those girls who gets all dressed up with no team colors.
• Comfortable shoes are key. 
• Check the stadium's website beforehand to see if you can bring in a purse. U of M doesn't allow you to, so I have to be strategic about which lip balm and gloss I'm taking with me into the stadium...only so much room in my pockets!
• Wear sunscreen and bring extra for friends.
• Don't forget your sunglasses! 

University of Michigan football fashion by lipglossbreak featuring Kiehl's

Lanvin sunglasses / Old Navy Mens College Team Tees - University of michigan / Kiehl's lip treatment / Sun Bum bath body product / RFSJ University of Michigan School Spirit Travel Coffee Mug / TOMS University of Michigan Women's Campus Classics

And the Winners Are...

Miracle Skin Transformer giveaway - aitch77
The Limited $50 gift card giveaway - megaanc

So many great giveaways are still going on...keep entering for your chance to win a full size L'Occitane Verbena EDT and a Brew Over Ice prize pack (valued over $50!).

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

Mama Fashionista: It's only the second month of her subscription-does Quinn think her August ipsy bag is a hit or a miss?

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Obsessed with The Organic Pharmacy? Then learn about their fabulous Virgin Cold Pressed Rose Hip Oil!

TheFabZilla: Are you into facial serums? TheFabZilla shares her experience with FutureDerm Vitamin CE 16+2 Serum

A Little Polish: Stephanie shows us a great way to wear on trend nail art that is appropriate even in the office!

My Highest Self: New contributor Miranda reviews Bodycology Flawless Glow Luminous Lotion!

BeautyTidbits: Find out why Harshleen is so smitten by Amarté Cosmetics Natural Finish BB Cream!

Painted Ladies: Painted Earth Skincare's Tranforming Lipstick makes Sheila's lips feel soft, supple, and highly pigmented.

Nuts 4 Stuff: Mary B. of Nuts 4 Stuff shows how to go beyond thick lashes for the dreamiest eyes ever with her review of IT Cosmetics new Tightlight Full Lash & Length Black Mascara Primer!

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L has read that Oriflame Aqua-Rhythm Tinted Moisturiser is good, but now she tried it herself and shares her thoughts about it.

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany shows off the wonderful Ninja Polish Pacific Coral!

D.G.S.Beauty: The Batiste Dry Shampoo in Lace is amazing! See what D.G.S.Beauty has to say about it.

Lipgloss Break: Check out what's in Lipgloss Break's beach bag...Alterna Bamboo Beach collection for beachy waves.

Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor shares swatches and first impressions of the Mark Jacobs Beauty line in a video!

Geniabeme: I got to try some products from LondonTown. I am loving my pink matte mani!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura shares the contents of her August Wantable Box.

Brew Over Ice Giveway

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter you know I post a lot of pictures of coffee mugs, and probably often with a hashtag #ineedcoffee. I'm a huge fan of coffee, and love trying new flavors, which is why having a Keurig machine has pretty much changed my life. I have about 5-8 different flavors at all times. I love choices!

The latest K-Cups I've been obsessing over are the Brew Over Ice cups. I usually opt for an ice coffee during the summer months. I tried both French Vanilla & Hazelnut Brew Over Ice cups and they are delicious. 

It's pretty simple to use the Brew Over Ice K-Cups. You literally just brew your K-Cup over ice. I use a hard plastic tumbler and fill it over half way full with ice. Then you brew your K-Cup like normal. Since a lot of the ice melts I usually add some more in afterwards, along with some almond milk. It's a nice, refreshing way to start the morning!

Here are a few ways you can try out Brew Over Ice K-Cups for yourself:
1 - Visit the Brew Over Ice sweepstakes page and play the game to enter a win huge prizes.
2 - Visit www.brewoverice.com/coolwaytobrew to download a $2 off product coupon and watch the Brew Over Ice video.
3 - In the past, I've purchased my K-Cups from www.bedbathandbeyond.com, but you can also enter my giveaway for a Brew Over Ice prize pack and win a few for free!

 

***Giveaway***

Enter to win a Brew Over Ice Prize pack, including 3 Brew Over Ice K-cup samples, a Brew Over Ice tumbler, 4 Brew Over Ice coasters, plus a Brew Over Ice light-up ice bucket and tongs.

Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, September 26th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck! 

L’Oreal Triple Resist Haircare

From years of highlighting and heat styling, my hair has had it's fair share of damage. I always like to take extra special care of it between styles and highlighting, so that it stays healthy for a long time to come. Here are some healthy hair rules I try to follow....

• I try not to wash my hair everyday. I know, I know, it sounds difficult and no one likes oily hair, but when I skip a day of washing, I'm allowing my natural hair oils to build up and nourish my scalp. On days I don't wash I use a dry shampoo to soak up oil and to restyle.
• I only use fabric covered elastic hair ties for my pony tail. Rubber hair ties are more likely to pull and/or break your hair when you take them out.
• I get frequent haircuts and/or trims. Get rid of those dead ends!
• I use hair care lines that help strengthen hair, like L'Oreal Triple Resist. Make your hair products work for you!

The L'Oreal Triple Resist products work together to help reinforce your hair from root to core to tip. This line contains concentrated Arginine-K Complex, which is like an amino acid, and reinforces hair fibers to promote healthy hair growth. 

I've been using the L'Oreal Triple Resist Shampoo, Conditioner and Ultimate Strength Solution for a little over a week and I can tell a visible difference in my hair. It's much softer and the ends don't get frizzy after styling. 

I use the shampoo and conditioner in the shower, and I use the Ultimate Strength Solution on my wet hair, before styling. I apply this very generously, making sure I spray all layers of my hair. I gather the sides of my hair in my hand, and spray the ends up close (which I think helps smooth my ends out while blow drying). I also lift my top layers up so I can spray close to my roots. I then take a comb through my hair to help distribute the product. As an added bonus, the products smell great and the scent lasts throughout the day.

You can find L'Oreal Triple Resist at your local drugstore or buy online at www.drugstore.com.

You can also try out L'Oreal Triple Resist line thanks to Glam. Visit this link to get a free sample! First 500 sign-ups will get a sample. 

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Get instant results and lasting transformation with Advanced Haircare Triple Resist from L'Oreal Paris. The triple action power of the formulas with concentrated Arginine reinforces strands and helps hair resist breakage. Change the life of your hair.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by L’Oreal Paris via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of L’Oreal Paris.