As an Accessories Expert, I know a thing or two about accessories and obviously, I have my statements that I love wearing that are definitely noticeable when I'm walking around. But in many ways, beauty products can be an accessory too and they are definitely essentials! Roll over the above images to check out why I'm obsessed with Urban Decay, Palmers, Dior, Shobha, Butter London and Dove! Of course of special note is my nearly life long obsession with Crest (yes even before I became a brand ambassador - I started as a Crest Baby thanks to my mom)! Find out why I'm a fan of their Crest 3D White Whitestrips and this Sunday (04.28.2013), you'll find a $7 coupon in your local newspaper that will allow you to use it on this great product that I have used for years! Now you get the chance to start using this too! I'm giving away a box of this with a winner announced on May 1st! Roll over the images to find out how you can enter to win!
Trendy Thursdays ~ Kaleidoscope Beauty
I love my beauty trunks as there are a number of goodies that are in there for any given situation. Since I'm always receiving mascaras, eyeshadows and more prior to their release, I know that whatever look I'm going for is bound to be in one of cases! With that said, sometimes I go for what speaks to me in theory - it's not even lifestyle specific. Right now I'm definitely loving a few pieces that will be included in future outings from traveling, brunch and just being out and about.
ACCESSORIES INSPIRATIONS
My inspiration comes from this fabulous multi colored cocktail ring which reminds me of a kaleidoscope from Sharon Khazzam who is known for her one of a kind pieces. I love a great ring and many of you know that it's my signature without a doubt. This ring has a number of colors in it which also inspired me when I'm thinking of looking great for whatever the occasion happens to be.
GET THE BEAUTY LOOK
Last week, I attended HSN's Oz Preview which had a number of brands that had created products for the launch of the movie which is coming out on Friday (so excited). Urban Decay created two kinds of color palettes and I have been loving the one I received which embodies Glinda the Good Witch! The collection comes with eyeshadows, eyeliner and a lip pencil. It's such a great number of hues and I love that everything (minus the lip pencil) can be stored within the case. Another eyeshadow favorite (which is perfect for smoky eyes) of mine is Sue Devitt and although I have the purple version of this, the green Marine Minerals is definitely on trend and a great series of hues to have. Another eyeshadow that I love is YSL's Ombre in Topaz Blue! When I feel that it's a bit bright, I love blending it in with charcoal. Another beauty fave that pulls tones of the ring into this selection is Deborah Lippmann's Ruby Slippers which is a rich garnet with a bit of shimmer.
Obviously great skin is maintained skin! I LOVE cleansing wipes and have a number of brands I use that are amazing in a number of ways. I also carry a to go version with me as there are times where I have to change from one makeup look to another - these Sephora Express Cleansing Wipes are perfect! I think it can never be said enough but SPF regardless of whether the sun is out, regardless of the season and DEFINITELY regardless of your skin tone is an essential. I just started trying out Murad's Age-Proof Suncare Oil Free Sunblock. I love that it has pom in it and is great coverage for the skin.
Fashionable Fridays: Events ~ HSN Oz The Great and Powerful
Earlier this week, I headed over to the offices of HSN to check out a number of items that will be on today and tomorrow in conjunction with Disney's March 8th release of Oz the Great and Powerful! As you know, I'm a huge fan of HSN as I have appeared on the network a number of items on behalf of a brand and they have quite the history of creating special collaborations whether it's Snow White and the Huntsman or True Blood! The current event brings a number of designers (over 50 brands of fashion icons and HSN partners with over 400 products) together from fashion designer Naeem Khan, luxury accessories designer, Carol Brodie and makeup line, Urban Decay! It's amazing to see how designers and brands brought together various inspirations from the movies to the product assortments. You'll find motifs from the movie such as hot air balloons, all the way to items that reflect each of the witches of Oz - Theodora, Evanora and Glinda in the movie. If you're looking to bring this within your home decor, there are a number of items in this category as well. Visit HSN in order to see the times that these items are going on air over the next couple of days and then also go online to shop if you can't wait!
Mingling Mondays: SS2012 Trends ~ Kerry Washington
If you've been checking out your Twitter Feeds, you know that Comic-Con took over San Diego! With a number of people on panels, we had to take note of the uber stylish, Kerry Washington who was at the press conference panel to promote her new Quentin Tarantino film, “Django Unchained” with costars Walton Goggins, Don Johnson, Christoph Waltz and Jamie Foxx.
I fell in love with J. Mendel's full pleated floral skirt from his Resorrt 2013 collection. I love that she paired this fun skirt with a collared and sleeveless top from A.L.C. - who doesn't lover a femme look with a bit of edge on the side. I definitely love the apparel but I would tweak the accessories. Let's swap her red and purple belt which seems like a little bit of an after thought and pop on this black wide Lanvin bow belt. In addition, I find her heels to be a bit chunky but have fallen in love with a sleek stilleto that adds a twist to the rounded versus pointed toe debate - this boxed style by Giuseppe Zanotti. Slipping on this cigar ring adds another depth to the look by Melinda Maria. In terms of her beauty look, I love this high pony tail with a bit of a tease and a strong red lip is always a plus - I'm a huge fan of Dior Beauty and when it comes to a dark eye, I have been rocking Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero which is the perfect way to have rocker chic!
L-R: Walton Goggins, Don Johnson, Kerry Washington, Christoph Waltz and Jamie Foxx.
I think I would like the whole outfit more without the belt and the chunky platform pumps. A sleek stiletto pump like the Christian Louboutin classic “Pigalle” would have been a better choice, in my opinion.
She finished off with a teased ponytail and bright red lips.
Treasure Tuesdays ~ NYFW Musts Checklist
I start my days during NYFW checking to see how my schedule needs to be updated as there are always invites that come in, media lounges to attend and a few other appearances that I am asked to go to. I spend the days prior to Fashion Week lining up my closet with items that will be perfect for all these events as my days send me running from tents and this season I will be launching my line as well. But no matter what, I have my basics that get me through the 9 days of madness. Some items are my tried and true such as my Cocoa Butter which keeps my skin enriched and soft, I also love my NARS Body Glow which gives a nice hue and my Urban Decay 24/7 as I believe in black eyeliner. Now I have an entire new arsenal series of beauty products that are a must and will carry me through this season.
I love love love M.A.C.'s Semi Precious Mineralize Eyeshadow which is a nice way to add a little something to my eyes, I fell in love with NP Set after listening to Napoleon Perdis show a small group of us his new made for Target collection before I went off to HSN and of course I have been a fan of Coach Poppy Fragrance so now having the rollerball that has their new scent in there as well as the previous one is always nice to refresh me between shows.
When it comes to my accessories, I can never go wrong with any of the Virgins, Saints and Angels rings as it's a great way to add wow factor to my hands (since I gesture a lot and they look amazing in pictures), I'm also all about stilettos and am obsessed with Vince Camuto at the moment especially anything that is studded (doesn't matter if I'm in leggings or if I am in a super cute dress) and finally Rebecca Minkoff's M.A.B. in python is the cutest satchel that can allow me to take all of my goodies along with me and yet remain so stylish!
Trendy Thursdays ~ Fab You Made Easy
Most people know that I don't spend a million hours putting on a pretty face. It's all about quick items that give my face the perfect glow. Of course my eyelinerfrom Urban Decay 24/7 is essential to enhance your face. I'm a huge lover of Studio Fix M.A.C. Cosmetics which is N9 and makes my face look perfect without looking like my face has a lot of makeup on. Whether I opt for the liquid version or the powder both are amazing and make my face look phenomenal. I love Armani's Beauty Eyes in eyeshadow five the perfect shimmer for sunkissed looks. Lips pop with Laura Geller's Lip Palette. Who doesn't love the rosy hues that make your lips have the perfect pluckable look. Of course, the most important part is shimmer which can be applied over the cheeks as well as other key areas on the face which looks phenom in Bobbi Brown's shades of pinks.
Fashionable Fridays: Pray For Japan ~ Natori
From Assouline Publishing we continue on with the ways that support is being provided. The day is over and walking the streets of NYC with near 70 degree weather, it was great to see people taking advantage of the fab weather with outdoor drink, walking to work or thinking about the weekend. While many are thinking about all the amazing plans on their list, we still want to showcase our final brand that we have included in our roundup. Natori is known for her chic design and although she has extended her collection to ready to wear items that are perfect for errands, I love her best for her beauty products as well as her night outfits. In the upper left hand corner, the world of Natori and the founder is included in the fab image. Natori is giving 10% of sales of her products to aid in Japan's relief! Our last roundup is perfect for when you're ready to relax solo or with that someone special! Nothing is better than taking a fab bath and just lingering around the house in an amazing robe (I definitely have my eyes on Kiki from Agent Provocateur) and filling the house with the smell of amazing candles (have loved Volupsa since Anthropologie). For an added portion to your appetite, you can have Urban Decay's Sparkling Edible Body Powder (my second favorite to 24/7 Zero eyeliner that this brand makes) to put an end to a long week that is about to open the doors to an amazing weekend!
Japan Support within the Fashion Community.
Trendy Thursdays ~ Travel Basics
Generally when you see me out and about I have my MAC foundation, bronzer from Laura Gellar and then eyeliner from Urban Decay's 24/7 collection - always in the Zero hue. But when I travel, I like to mix it up a bit and add a little more into my look. Whether I'm traveling for fun or am on business (yes designing is still super serious), it's nice to add pops into my routine just to switch things up. I even have a special case that I carry new items in just so that I know. I'm a huge fan of Dior Show's Mascara. I see that more and more I like wearing Mascara even in my normal routine from time to time. I love Sue Devitt! She has a Kiliamanjaro collection that is in hues of purple so her Green Isle collection is perfect as we transition into the fall (although I am currently in the DR soaking up some sun) and then there's a new fave when I'm out and about - Bare Escentuals Buxom in Dina. Not only do I get a pop of color but I get a great plumper as well which is just enough to notice that there is something different without making my lips look too huge. I feel that when you're away trying new looks allows you to have a little fun and when you're back to your normal routine, you can look at your pictures and decide what portions will go into your everyday!
Trendy Thursdays ~ Foundational Bling
You'll see little tweaks all over the site over the next few weeks and one of many is the way that we will go about introducing our beauty segments. Much like I choose my outfits from my accessories, people think of the makeup that they want to wear and build from there. I don't think like that but I definitely get the concept. With that said, we'll do pairings with outfits and what better way to kick it off than something that would be perfect for a party during NY Fashion Week which isn't too far away. Yes this is the last one that we will be having at the tents but since we're all about being in the moment, I have the perfect look.
The dress is from Tory Burch which I love for her Boho-Preppy style - who doesn't love her tunic tops? But it's awesome knowing that she has something perfect when you need to glam it up. Now when I go out, I love to play up what I would normally do during the day. After my MAC Foundation, you'll find that I always wear Urban Decay's 24/7 in Kohl Eyeliner and Laura Geller's bronzer! It's a great way to play up my eyes and to also have the goddess glow. For night, I love to wear Dior Show (sometimes I double it up with Big Fatty by Urban Decay as well for an extra effect) and then I also love Laura Geller's eyeshadow. I love that everytime I put it on it's a different effect and yet it's super easy! What a perfect compliment to this one shoulder look!
Trendy Thursdays ~ Beauty Musts To Have & To Hold
Whether your stingy, able to share or your thinking gifting - you can never go wrong with a Beauty Bundle. Beauty Bundles is a term that means beauty gift sets (or at least to me). If I love a brand I like having more than just one of something and even if a few shades may not work for me, then you can place them in a gift for someone else. You're not only passing on the gift of beauty and good taste but it's just good Girlonomics! Whether this means that it goes in as a stocking stuffer or becomes a thank you when you're staying with one of your girfriends half way across the country (I'm know as the person who when packing, I pack up a lot of product that I'm sent to my friend who I'm staying with during a trip).
Today's goodies are brands that I could not go without! You know that I'm super passionate about Purple Lab's Huge Lips, Skinny Hips gloss as my lips stay super moisturized and the smell is so yummie - you feel like a glamazon just applying it!. I became obsessed this time last year with the 24/7 Eyeliner from Urban Decay. My eyes are ALWAYS lined with their Kohl color. If I happen to go to a Sephora and they have run out of that color, I will stalk every Sephora in the city to get it! Nars Cosmetics is another passion that I have for almost 2 years! I love their body polish which keeps me glowing, their eyeshadows, gloss and more but I also love their nail colors as well. Any shade that has a pop of vixen in it, I'm all over it. Finally, when it comes to Sephora, I could spend all my hours in there with so many brands to play with. In addition, I love their private line as well. Many times when I'm unsure of a color I start with their brand as they have so many colors!
Whatever your reason, buying a few things here and there and having multiples is an awesome way to build your beauty cases or massive trunks - whichever way you organize it! Start thinking about gifting yourself and others this holiday season!
Treasure Thursdays: Place Your Vote
I love award season and when you can get in on the first award, that's even better! The Golden Compact Awards started this year and now through Feb 28th (winners will be announced in March), you can vote for which brands should get this amazing award! My favorite best beauty blogs (All Lacquered Up, The Beauty Blogging Junkie The Beauty of Life, The Daily Cookie and the The Daily Obsession)have come together to present an amazing selection of products, many that have been covered on Kitten Lounge (Urban Decay, Yes to Carrots, Too Faced, Tassi etc)! If you don't have these itenms you need to go to Sephora and stock up! In addition, you may win great goodies for all of your effort to see who gets these amazing awards!
Trendy Thursdays: Get Fatty
Oh yes, I am all about Big Fatty Mascara by Urban Decay! Not only are they the sponsors of the Kitten Lounge Valentine's Gift Guide which kicks off officially this Sunday but it makes your lashes thick and lovely! I have been using this off and on but tonight during a team dinner, I definitely wanted to be ultra glam! Even in the resort town of Orlando, you can still bring a bit of spicy to your overall look (this was also a great look when we went to Blue Martini). This is a must for your cometic bag. Of course you must pair this with their 24/7 Eyeliner in a color of your choice. Check out the site and decide what you'll add to your collection of Glamazon products!
Trendy Thursdays: Why We Crave Sephora
This holiday season you have to think smart. I don't think there is anyone that can believe that it's the holiday season or the end of the year! Whether you're time crunched, funds light or anything else, you have to think about looking great and/or how you will gift for others. On my list I have people that I've known for ages, family, colleauges, etc. But then I know that you hit those situations where a gift is needed but I may not be as familiar as I would prefer. I really don't care for giving gift certificates as I feel it's a quick way out of a purchase that should take some thought (not to say that I haven't used it). I like the gift set because it gives variety. The person may not like everyting that's in there but they stand a chance of like something and they can always give portions of it away! It's a gift that keeps on giving. All of these sets are under $30 and are perfect for stocking stuffers, Secret Santas and more! As you know if you have been reading the Holiday Gift Guide, I am obsessed with Velvet Rope by Urban Decay. I will never wear another brand of eyeliner without a doubt! I think that Dylan's Candy definitely did the fab jump from candy to embracing a beauty line! Gloss is always a nice option and this Lancome line spices it up with the fishnet theme and when it comes to my eyes, I love multiple shades of eyeshadow! Not only can you give love to others but this doesn't stop you from snagging some great finds. Check out what Sephora has to offer whether you do so at your local shop or online!
For media requests and bookings for Kimmie, email MTatum@BeautifulPlanning.com
Photography by Philip Friedman/Studio D
Meet Kimmie
Accessories Expert, Founder & Editor in Chief of Kitten Lounge; Co-Founder & Creative Director of Shoe Week; Co-Founder of Style Tweetup, On Air Personality, Stylist and Designer.
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She's Kimmie is a virtual scrapbook and is the best way for fans of Kimmie to connect with her, see where she's heading next and of course to get fab insider info!
As an Accessories Expert, Kimmie appears on HSN, designs, is quoted/featured in various publications talking about style from an Accessories Forward perspective! To work with Kimmie or to see project portfolio, visit her site here.
Kimmie is the Co-Founder/Creative Director of Shoe Week which launched during NYFW Sept '12 and is styling a number of shows as well as having evening leading up to our second season of shows during NYFW Sept '13.
Co-Founder, Kimmie, connects brands with bloggers in intimate event settings via Style Tweetup.
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Kimmie Shops
Invite Only Shopping
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Accessories
| Alexis Bittar | Gasoline Glamour | Linea Pelle |
| Shay Accessories | Ylang 23 |
Clothing
| Alice + Olivia | DVF | Eva Varro |
| LNA Clothing | Parker |
Swimwear
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This work by Kimmie Smith is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at Kitten Lounge.Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at Info@TheKittenLounge.com.
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