My Skintastic Finds

22 Monday Jun 2015

Tags

Cvs finds, hansderma skincool ice roller, lipstick brush, moisturizers with spf, Natasha Lowery, nuance products, salma Hayek products, Style Star Sisters

It’s been a long time since I’ve shared some of the products or fashion finds that I’m excited about. Well, today, I’m taking a slight detour from fashion to focus on skin products. I feel the maintenance of your skin is more important than any outfit. Now, these products I just didn’t glance at on a store shelf or in a magazine. I actually used all these items for several months. I must say I am quite pleased with the results. My skin looks brighter, softer and less fatigued. And to top it off, all these products are extremely affordable and located right at a CVS near you or online. So, here’s my Skintastic Finds list.

1. Hansderma SkinCool Ice Roller-This product is kept in your freezer. I use it for facial puffiness, tired muscles, and after waxing treatments. It’s perfect for after my biweekly lip wax. Very soothing and helps to revive a tired face in the am. This item is about $30.00 and found online.

2. Salma Hayek Nuance products-Cucumber and Rosewater Dual Phase Makeup Remover. Great! . This gently removes makeup while moisturizing your face. I use a cotton pad and swipe away all the day’s makeup and dirt. This is a Must! And, for less than $10.00. I loved the remover so much I tried another product from the same line.

3. Salma Hayek’s Moisturizing Day Cream- This day cream I use every morning after I tone my skin. My skin looks good even without makeup. I love it because it’s gentle, not oily and has SPF 30 too. So, you have a daily moisturizer and SPF protection for under $20.00. All of Salma Hayek’s products are found at CVS.

And, my last favorite find.

4. MUA Retractable lip brush- Ok, I have to confess. I’m that woman that hates to give up a great lipstick color even when the stick gets low in the tube. I hate to waste anything. And, we know cosmetics can add up. So, instead of digging in my tube with whatever, I found a good solution. Mua’s retractable lip brush is good for defining lips and using the last drop of your favorite lip color. You have to get this. Also, available at CVS for less than $10.00. So, there you have it. I hope you try all or at least one of the products.

Your Style Star Sister,

Natasha

I’ve GOT NOTHING to Wear!!!

10 Wednesday Dec 2014

Posted by vantosh in closet

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Tags

accessories, California Closet, closet, Closet Rejuvenation, Diane Pollack, Natasha Lowery, organize, prom dresses, StyleStar Sisters, Vanessa Tyler, wardrobe

Greetings StyleStars!

Does the phrase ‘I’ve got nothing to wear’ sound familiar? Often we are saying it with our hands up in the air staring at this– our full closets.

I have a confession to make. Come closer- don’t tell anyone- but that is MY closet. One of them. Usually it is not that messy, but I was looking for something to wear!

But what if I gave you a whole new wardrobe. Well technically it is a whole new outlook on your old wardrobe in a brand new way. It is a Closet Rejuvenation. Fascinating! The term coined by my new friend Diane Pollack- who says we StyleStars are missing fashion opportunities staring us right in the face.

Diane says Closet Rejuvenation is a closet overhaul or closet audit. So naturally I’m thinking a closet organizer-believe it or not California Closet has been here.

The art of Closet Rejuvention is much more than adding shelves and extra hanging space. But Diane breaks it down- by going through your closet and working magic right before your eyes. This is how she does it:

“I come to my clients home and recreate a wardrobe out of what they do have. The first thing we do is get rid of old, outdated, ill fitting, or damaged clothes. These items are just creating clutter. Then I create outfits out of what they do have; outfits that they had not thought to wear together. The finishing touches on an outfit, taking it from fine to fabulous are the accessories. The right shoes are key. I also help accessorize a finishing piece of jewelry, bag or scarf etc.
Then we take pictures. This makes it a no brainier when a women is rushed in the morning, she does not a have to think about her outfit and knows which pieces really work well together.
Finally, I suggest missing pieces. Often, the outfit is not working well because the woman does not own the right components.”
Diane Pollack/ Closet Rejuvenation.

Wow! Imagaine that. Months ago I wrote a post for you StyleStars about shopping in your closet. Somethng I have done before when I “discovered” a dress that I haven’t worn in forever. But this is different. Even on a budget (which as you know is the number one rule of a StyleStar)- you can update with accessories.

I asked Diane what if I find something in my closet I haven’t worn in two years. (I hate when people say throw it out- No! I may wear it again even if it is years later.) Diane says “This generally still holds true. If nothing else, the item should certainly be re-assessed with a keen eye.There are a few exceptions. Perhaps the item hasn’t been worn because the woman doesn’t have the proper item to make a great outfit. In that case, she should keep it and I advise what would look best with it. I also allow women to keep an item or two of sentimental value”.

Now wrap your head around this StyleStars- Diane believes you actually create a larger wardrobe by following her tips.
AND speaking of tips- you know the best way to fit more clothes neatly in a small closet- Diane suggests getting thin hangers and hang all your clothes on the same type of hangers. You can fit in more clothes.. yes I know- great idea.

Oh do separate your seasons. Why have the sundress next to the sweater dress.

And hang like items together. If Diane had a dime for every time she says she saw pants hanging next to a jacket- well those dimes would add up for enough to buy a new wardrobe. But again who needs it– when you can rejuvenate the one you already have.

Want more of Diane Pollack’s expert advice:
Her company is Stylempower http://www.stylempower.com.
She can be emailed at diane@stylempower.com and contacted at 646 831 2584.
Also sign up for her newsletter on her website and follow her
on Facebook, Instagaram, twitter or Pinterest, all under Stylempower.

‎au revoir
Vanessa

Aside

Are You Ready for Spring?

23 Sunday Mar 2014

Posted by vantosh in Spring Dressing, Uncategorized

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Tags

Fringes, mule shoes, Natasha Lowery, odd heels, orange dress, orange lips, orange pants, sheer clothing, spring 2014, spring trends 014, Tina Turner, wide leg pants

Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2014..Fringes

Ok. Freaky, snowy, dreary, wintry weather be gone! Although, my local meteorologist has warned us of a possible snowy wintry mix this coming week, I still feel like it’s time to start buying some of this season’s crayon colored eclectic prints, backless mules, and floral prints that line the racks in most stores. They’re everywhere taunting us ladies as we trudged by store windows in our snow boots and heavy winter coats. Green shoes, yellow spring coats, orange dresses, really? Yes, style star sisters, it’s time to put our Spring thinking caps on and get our wardrobes together. So, I’ve decided to showcase a few items that I’ve noticed featured in many magazines for the Spring season. Some I like and some well, you be the judge.

So, orange is the color de jour. I’m excited by this trend because personally I’m not a red wearer so to see orange appear in so many of this season’s looks is a nice fresh twist. Orange lipstick and dresses were seen on the New York and Paris runways.

bold orange lipstick

sexy day time orange dress

Now when I think of fringe, the image of Tina Turner performing on stage “Rolling down the River” while Ike watches her with a cautious eye. Okay, I loved it on Tina with her gorgeous frame and well toned legs, but not too certain about it some forty years later. Well, many of the designers for Spring 2014 thought it was time to revisit the fringe. I do love the fringed coat. Sheer tops had a big presence too.

Now, the shoe trends for Spring 2014 are a nice mixed bag. Some include odd architecturally designed shoes like these.

extraordinary heeled shoes

. While other designers brought back the mule. Love it!

Wearing white after Labor day is fine now, especially if you rock a pair of white wide

Wide leg pants

legged pants. Bye Bye skinny pants! Hello wide free flowing trousers.

So, style stars, you have a lot to choose from or not. I for one love wide leg pants and the color orange so I may just combine both looks.

Orange wide leg pants

Yes, Spring is here. It’s just the beginning so put on your bright colors, celebrate and be “Happy” like the singer Pharrell says and know you deserve to smile, laugh, play and dance because winter is over!

Your Style Star Sister,
Natasha

Death of a Destined Designer

18 Tuesday Mar 2014

Posted by vantosh in Clothing Designer, Uncategorized

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Bento Box Lacquered, boyfriend, Celebrities, Embellished Crepe Dress, Floral Print, girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, L'Wren Scott, Mick Jagger, Natasha Lowery, Red Carpet, Sarah Jessica Parker, Snake Skin, Stars, Stretch Silk, Vanessa Tyler

49 Year old L’Wren Scott found dead of apparent suicide in her Manhattan Apartment

Sad news StyleStars when genius dies. Ok L’Wrenn Scott designs were primarily window shopping for me. Super expensive. Averaging $2,500, but you could get a few pieces for maybe a little more than a grand on sale.

Her amazing lady like dresses tailor made for the stars. Red Carpet ready. Perfect bodies, perfect dresses.. but perfect lives???

Apparently not. Since reports are the hot designer destined for even more greatness (She even dressed our elegent first lady Michelle Obama) was not happy in the end.

She was a towering figure. The former model was more than 6 feet tall- Dwarfing her famous long time boyfriend Mick Jagger. But as we all know pain is pain, no matter how well dressed it is. And my StyleSister Natasha and I, just wanted to mourn a life and show you the incredible dresses that came from the imagination of a mind and a spirit who didn’t believe things would get better if she would just hold on one more day.

Below are the dresses she created… just Fabulous.

Vanessa

L’Wrenn Scott – Floral Print – Stretch silk $2,900

L’Wren Scott Bento Box Lacquer $2,147

L’Wren Scott Dress in Sapphire $2,250

L'WREN SCOTT Lace/Leather Dress in Black

L’Wren Scott Leather/Lace Dress $3,399

L’Wren Scott Bead- Embellished Crepe Dress $2,395

L’Wren Scott Snake Jacquard Sleeveless Dress $1,592

Death of A Friend

13 Monday Jan 2014

Posted by vantosh in Loehmann's Closing, Uncategorized

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Tags

Adrienne Vittadini, Anne Klein, Back Room, Bankruptcy, Daffy's, Designer dressing, Dior, going out of business, humdinger, liquidating, Loehmann's, Natasha Lowery, Vanessa

I got the news and was shocked, but sadly not surprised. After all, she was more than 90 years old. I was already in mourning. I still had not gotten over the passing of another friend. Daffy’s died in the fall of 2012. I was at the funeral. Now that was hard. My StyleStar sister Natasha and I really took it bad. That’s because I was an active shopper at Daffy’s. Loehmann’s was another story. Like an aunt who had been a humdinger in her day, I saw the wear and tear around the edges years ago. I of course still respected the legacy.

My first introduction to designer clothes came from Loehmann’s. I still have Adrienne Vittadini’s in my closet, and Dior and Anne Klein. I “lived” for the BackRoom. And who can forget those crazy communal dressing rooms. I remember the dressing room attendant screaming “Ladies don’t let Loehmann’s clothes drag on the floor”. Then some stores installed private dressing rooms, then they MUST have gotten new buyers, then they started NOT being as stylish. There were times I went into my local Loehmann’s and walked right out. The stuff looked used. After undergoing several reorganizations, the clothes did get a little better. The BackRoom at my local store was moved to the front of the store and consisted of a about a dozen “racks” of clothes. Like the flamboyant aunt who drank martinis and had fancy boyfriends I began to see she wasn’t laughing so carefree anymore. Her lipstick liner was crooked, wig looked worn, and those fancy boyfriends who were still alive, turned old and mean. So now what? I haven’t gone yet to “get a deal” I frankly doubt I will find anything. But I will go say goodbye.

I just read today that the Loehmann’s name has been purchased by some investor and there is talk of re-creating it on-line or selling sections to other stores. If you are on the mailing list you will probably get an email. Daffy’s is doing the same thing. I get Daffy’s emails selling these overpriced pillows- annoying. Ugh. It is not the same. It will never be.

Vanessa

UPDATE Hi StyleStars after writing the above post this afternoon, I decided to go to my local Loehmann’s. Just a day or so after the news broke the store was already picked over. The staff was even dissembling displays! The lines were long and the dressing room chaotic. There was even the beginning of an incident when one woman didn’t wait her turn for a private dressing room. Well in the end it was worth it. I got a dress for 70% percent off.

Incredible find

Now that is a deal! Oh Loehmann’s I will miss you. Stay tuned my StyleStar sister and I are planning a trip to the best Loehmann’s in the tri-state- located in Chelsea. May have to bring a box of tissues. We will update if shopping is insane.
Vanessa

It’s Fall..Are you ready…Fall trends I adore

30 Monday Sep 2013

Posted by vantosh in Fall Fashions, Uncategorized

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Ann taylor, cobalt blue, fall fashion, Fall fashion 2013, fall trends, grey booties, grey shoes, Natasha Lowery, pink coat, stacked booties, stacked heels, Vanessa Tyler, Zara

cobalt blue leather dress

Well, much to my surprise, I woke up the other morning and it was 53 degrees outside. Fall had knocked on my door and I was not prepared to answer. Luckily, I still have time to transition from summer looks to the fabulous Fall finds I see in various magazines. I will go over some of my favorite Fall trends for 2013 that I feel are worth searching for. Remember style sisters, fashionable does mean max out your credit cards. So, shop with caution because trends do come and go.

Cobalt Blues
For years I have gotten caught up with the dark colors once the season changed. It's so refreshing to know that color is here for Fall and cobalt blue is a must. While searching on line for new stylish finds, I found the perfect dress that can be worn during many seasons. It includes two hot Fall trends. It's a cobalt blue leather dress. Genuine leather runs down the center and back. Gorgeous!

The best part is I paid under $100 for a real leather dress. The designer is AQUA and it’s not available any longer, but this brand has many affordable leather and faux leather must haves. The main thing to remember is color is the key this Fall. Cobalt blues, navy, and jade are great options to pull yourself away from an all black ensemble.

Boot trends
Designers have really given us many different options for footwear. And, I’m so glad. Platforms are still here, but they’ve taken a step back to this seasons stacked heel boots. The heels are thicker and appears more durable for the urban stylish walker. You can find stacked heels boots on the Ann Taylor and Zara website. Affordable and fashionable.

Stacked heel boots

Pink and grey
This is truly one of my favorite color combinations. And, it’s the other color must have for the season. A pink coat with grey leather boots or heels will add sophistication and femininity to any outfit. I will certainly wear this Fall trend with a smile. Well, style stars, I really could go on and on. But, I just wanted to give you a few of my favorite fall trends. So, shop, save, and be savvy!

Your style sister,
Natasha

Fashion Week Giving Me Life!!

17 Tuesday Sep 2013

Posted by vantosh in Fashion Week, Uncategorized

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

828 Collection, Designer Danny Nguyen, Dhakmani Clothing, Eight Twenty Eight Collection, Emerge Fashion Show, iphone, Natasha Lowery, New York Fashion Week, Pat Cleveland, PRSVR, Suzette Opara, Terri Clark, Vanessa Tyler

Hi StyleStars!!

New York Fashion Week is always FAB-U-LISSSS and my style sister and I went to one of our favorite shows. It was the Emerge Show which features the up and coming designers. The location was off site in the Wall Street area. Okay so the house was packed. The evening started with a tribute to the legendary Queen of the Catwalk Pat Cleveland. Who as you can see working it above- is still Fierce.

Ok dim the lights.. pump the pulsating beat– and let’s go.

First up- designer Danny Nguyen

Beautiful- flowly– pretty in peach.. take a closer look.

It shines, shimmers. Nguyen is from Houston and wowed the New York crowd.

Real hot was PRSVR who rocked the runway with wearable leather.

Of course StyleStars, my sister and I couldn’t wear everything in this line, but there are pieces that are perfect for us.

PRSVR RED LEATHER SHIRT

Suzette Opara gave us elegant sexy femininity with her The Eight Twenty Eight Collection. Loved her fluffy. This designer originally from West Africa, but based out of Chicago had several pieces we would definitely wear.

Dhakmani gave us the sexy of the show! Her SwimWear was incredible. It is totally yacht lounging gear. Loved most of the pieces. Very unique, very unusual.

All in all we always love the Emerge show and look forward to it twice a year during the holy days of February and September which is fashion week.

Thanks Nikkia for the VIP seats.

And the night wouldn’t be complete without the StyleStarSisters hanging out with bestie Terri (in the middle) who surprised us at the show.

Now can’t wait for February!!

Fashionably yours,

Vanessa

(oh most of the photos were taken by me.. got to love the pictures taken by the iphone)

Summer White Party …Dress code required!

14 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by vantosh in Uncategorized, White Party

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

harlem, Harlem 1940's style, Harlem style, Harlem white party, Natasha Lowery, Sheila D, Vanessa Tyler, White Affair, White party

The lovely hostess Sheila D and fabulous niece, Evelyn

Dapper men at Sheila D’s White party

Lovely ladies who attended Sheila D’s White party

Sheila D’s White party. Style star sisters, Vanessa and Natasha

Hey Style Stars, well you know it’s summer when you get an invite to a white party. And, this particular event was hosted by Sheila D, an event and party planner who exudes great style and confidence no matter what she’s wearing. My style sister and I knew we could not miss this once a year Sheila D Harlem event.

Ugh, what do I wear. So how do you stand out among the collage of white canvasses at an all white party. It can be hard sometimes to showcase your individual style out when a dress code is required. But, I must say I loved the challenge. I believe that accessories can become your best friend. A bold necklace, colorful or fancy shoe, or purse will highlight your style when faced with a color restriction. I opted to wear a fitted Nicole Miller collection high-waisted skirt and a light silver beaded top. Ok, I strayed a bit. But, I still stayed within the guidelines of the color white. This is a great idea for my style sisters to choose like colors so you don’t stand out for the wrong reason. Don’t show up with a red dress. Ugh. Check out all these beautiful ladies white dresses. You will see the great individual style.

Of course, we can not leave out the dapper dudes that attended the event. There were beige palettes and bow ties. Very chic indeed.

It’s no surprise that Harlem has always been at the forefront of fashion. From the well tailored ladies of the 1940’s and the gentlemen who only wore their pants cuffed with their suits, Harlem always had effortless style. And, this White Party showcases the individual style of its Harlem patrons. Classy, sophisticated and yes sexy.

Your Style sister,
Natasha

The ultimate garage sale…a famous stylist sells designer wares

16 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by vantosh in Designer Clothing, Uncategorized

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Tags

Amar'e Stoudemire, designer clothing sale, garage sale, Lebron James, Loubotins, men's clothing, Natasha Lowery, NBA stylist, Rachel Johnson, Vanessa Tyler, vintage finds, vintage jewelry

stacks of designer shoes

louboutins

peach fitted dress

vintage earrings

Rachel Johnson…NBA stylist

Hey style stars, well it’s hot out, but that doesn’t mean that you should not check out your neighborhood garage sales. I happen to love the hunt and the excitement of finding that one thing that’s different from anything you may have seen. A nice statement piece or designer dress that may have been worn or not. Well, I lucked out this past weekend.

A friend invited me to what I considered to be the ultimate garage sale. Right in my area just one town over, stylist to many of the NBA elite players, Rachel Johnson, gave a garage sale that would rival any high end boutique or consignment shop in NYC. The tall beauty has worked with some of the best players in the league like Lebron James, Amar’e Stoudemire and many others. With a passion for men’s tailoring and over thirteen years experience in styling, Rachel has put together winning red carpet looks for many of the NBA’s star players.

But, I was not looking for men’s clothes. Sorry fellas! This rare sale featured women’s runway looks from Rachel’s own collection and other stylists who have their pulse on what’s hot. I was able to snag a pair of vintage earrings that will look incredible with any little black dress. Price: $5.00. I also got a summer fitted dress for …wait for it, $15.00. The tag was still attached. Oh, there were several Louboutins. Darn. not my size. Lucky ladies.

So, style stars, take advantage of your neighborhood garage sales. Be patient with the hunt, wear comfortable shoes, and yes haggle those prices. Don’t be shy about it. You just may leave the sale with a great stylist piece or someone’s grandmother’s heirloom. Happy hunting.

Your style sister,
Natasha

It is steamy hot- so what is a brother to do?

01 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by vantosh in Men's Fashion, Uncategorized

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Tags

Ambassadors, clothes, colored jeans, Euguene Tuff, fashion, hot, Macallan Single Malt Scotch, Natasha Lowery, Seersucker, Single Malt Scotch, steamy, Style Star Sisters, suits, summer dresses, Vanessa Tyler

Hey Style Stars! – While we girls are rocking our summer dresses, skirts, tanks, and colored jeans- it is always a blast to see a brother not letting the heat burn his fashion sense. So ok, my style sister and I were hanging in Harlem the other night at African food restaurant Ambassadors, when our friend Eugene Tuff rolled in.

It was a steamy night but Eugene looked way cool. And Style Stars take a closer look at the material of his light weight stunner.

Yes that is seersucker. Remember that material? It is so retro. (Here is a brief history courtesy of Wikipedia:

Seersucker is a thin, puckered, all-cotton fabric, commonly striped or chequered, used to make clothing for spring and summer wear. Seersucker is woven in such a way that some threads bunch together, giving the fabric a wrinkled appearance in places. This feature causes the fabric to be mostly held away from the skin when worn, facilitating heat dissipation and air circulation. It also means that pressing is not necessary.

During the British colonial period, seersucker was a popular material in Britain’s warm weather colonies like British India. When Seersucker was first introduced in the United States, it was used for a broad array of clothing items. For suits, the material was considered a mainstay of the summer wardrobe of gentlemen, especially in the South, who favored the light fabric in the high heat and humidity of the summer, especially prior to the arrival of air conditioning.

The fabric was originally worn by the poor in the U.S. until preppy undergraduate students began wearing it in the 1920s in an air of reverse snobbery.)

Too much information?? I know Style Sisters I just thought it was interesting. Getting back to Eugene. Doesn’t he look debonair! — Adding to the look- he sips on a glass of single malt scotch Macallan 12- which he makes sure places he frequents has in stock.

Oh just to wrap up this style brother for you Style Stars- he rotates among about 30 suits and he also owns a pair of seersucker shorts. Tres chic

Vanessa

Style Star Sisters

~ Two sisters with their eyes on fashion and on their pocketbooks

Tag Archives: Natasha Lowery

My Skintastic Finds

I’ve GOT NOTHING to Wear!!!

Are You Ready for Spring?

Death of a Destined Designer

Death of A Friend

It’s Fall..Are you ready…Fall trends I adore

Fashion Week Giving Me Life!!

Summer White Party …Dress code required!

The ultimate garage sale…a famous stylist sells designer wares

It is steamy hot- so what is a brother to do?