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Narciso Rodriguez is headed back to the fragrance counter with a new women’s brand due this spring. Essence, the designer’s second fragrance franchise, will be launched in March in the U.S. and globally in April, in limited distribution.

“I wanted to create something that reflected the house, but something fresh and new,” Rodriguez said during a recent interview at the Gramercy Park Hotel here. Rodriguez’s first fragrance, an eau de toilette dubbed For Her, made its debut in fall 2003, and an eau de parfum version was launched in fall 2004. His sole men’s scent, For Him, was launched in 2007.

Naeem Khan pre-fall 2009

Naeem Khan pre-fall 2009.

Photo By Kyle Ericksen

Vera Wang pre-fall 2009

Photo By: Thomas Iannaccone

Vera Wang pre-fall 2009.

Dolce & Gabbana pre-fall 2009

Photo By: Khepri Studio

Dolce & Gabbana pre-fall 2009.

Badgley Mischka Pre-Fall 2009

Photo By: John Aquino

Badgley Mischka Pre-Fall 2009.

Fashion isn't just about spring and fall. Pre-collections have increasingly become a force in the industry, with new designers joining the fray every season. Here, a continuously archived collection of all the looks from pre-fall 2009.

NEW TODAY: NAEEM KHAN, NICOLE MILLER,ST. JOHN

ALBERTA FERRETTI: She is a romantic at heart, and Alberta Ferretti’s lineup of dresses were a nod to silver-screen stars.

ALEXANDER WANG: Influenced by the early Nineties and Tom Ford’s Gucci days, Alexander Wang turned out a sexy, sophisticated lineup.

ARMANI COLLEZIONI: Understated elegance was the order of the day for Giorgio Armani.

BADGLEY MISCHKA: According to Mark Badgley and James Mischka, pre-fall is about “beautiful, happy clothes — nothing serious,” and with that in mind, they turned out a lineup of fanciful gowns and youthful cocktail dresses with plenty of embellishments, feathers and frayed ruffles.

BURBERRY PRORSUM: Revisiting the classics, Christopher Bailey turned out a stellar lineup with a polished yet disheveled sensibility.

CALVIN KLEIN: Francisco Costa showed two sides of his current fascination with chic
futurism, one sober and the other, light as air.

CAROLINA HERRERA: Carolina Herrera hit a charming balance between soft and strict.

CHANEL MÉTIERS D'ART: Karl Lagerfeld showed a Russian-themed satellite collection with glimmering brocades, fur trims and luscious embroideries.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: It’s a jungle out there, or, as Diane von Furstenberg said of her pre-fall collection, an urban jungle.

DKNY: Classic looks with clean lines were the order of the day.

DOLCE & GABBANA: Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have gone all out for a dressed-up sensuality this season in both their signature tailored looks in gray flannels and tweeds and shapely dresses in silk satin and velvet, some detailed with paillettes and embroideries.

DONNA KARAN: Nix “pre-fall.” Donna Karan’s “transeasonal” collection, as she called it, was inspired by today’s economic climate and intended to be worn year-round.

DOO.RI: Doo-Ri Chung offered a coherent collection focused on proportions and tricks, as in dresses that give the illusion of having separate layers.

GIORGIO ARMANI: Armani kept his options open with slim or A-line skirts, full or lean pants and elaborately detailed jackets.

ISAAC MIZRAHI: Isaac Mizrahi turned out a terrific mix of seasonless looks that the
designer referred to as the “stock for fall’s soup.”

J.MENDEL: Each season, Gilles Mendel expands his range of eveningwear choices and younger, less serious furs to throw on top. For pre-fall, he has also added lots of day looks.

MAX MARA: Inspired by New York City in the Fifties, the design team behind Max Mara turned out a collection of pretty printed dresses, cozy knits and cocoon coats — all timeless and feminine.

MISSONI: Angela Missoni focused on contemporary, kooky knitwear.

MOSCHINO CHEAP AND CHIC: The pre-fall lineup features lean silhouettes, but with such feminine details as bowknots, flounces, pearl embroidery and draping.

NAEEM KHAN: Naeem Khan stepped up the glamour quotient with an array of colors and patterns on his evening and cocktail dresses. And with the economy in mind, the designer also scaled back prices and offered knitwear and separates.

NARCISO RODRIQUEZ: Narciso Rodriguez infused his collages into bold prints on silk dresses and tops, creating a layered effect.

NICOLE MILLER: Inspired by astrology, Nicole Miller incorporated a star motif into prints and embroideries on tunics and dresses.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA: Good times and bad, one can always count on Oscar de la Renta to deliver real clothes, the kind that have at least a prayer of being purchased and worn.

RACHEL ROY: The designer was inspired by "Bugsy Malone" for her chic, quirky collection.

RAG & BONE: Rag & Bone stayed true to its men’s wear-inspired roots, softened up with silky numbers.

RENA LANGE: It was a night with Juliette Gréco in Paris for Julian Neale and his design team, whose lineup featured sculptural tweed jackets, pleated pants and soft chiffon skirts.

ROBERTO CAVALLI: Cavalli played up botanical, animal and feather motifs in a neutral palette with dashes of turquoise and fuchsia.

ST. JOHN: “Customers are looking for investment dressing and ensembles that can be worn from day to night,” St. John ceo Glenn McMahon says of pre-fall.

TULEH: Winter gardens were the inspiration behind Bryan Bradley’s collection for Tuleh.

VERSACE: Donatella Versace emphasized bold, graphic silhouettes.

VERA WANG: Drawing on the “boyish sophistication” of Gabrielle Chanel, Vera Wang played up a narrow silhouette in a mostly dark palette, showing cropped trousers and long cotton tunics, the latter with embellished panels.

ZAC POSEN: Posen showed a salon-style presentation with plenty of French flair.

ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO: Prints were key for Maria Cornejo as she worked her usual geometric shapes in seasonless fabrics.

Milly by Michelle Smith RTW Spring 2009 Beauty
Australian makeup artist Sue Devitt is putting spa in the spotlight with the launch in February of a new skin care and makeup range called Spa Complexion.

“I wanted to merge treatment and color together,” Devitt said of the 10-item line, which features a few treatment items and several shades of pressed and loose powder. “The idea was to create mineral products that continually hydrate throughout the day,” she added.

The collection ranges in price from $32 for the powders to $62 for the Microquatic Lactic Renewal Facial Peel.

MILAN — And they say women can’t make up their minds.

Men’s fashion week here is to revert back to four days in January, after Fendi became the latest high-profile brand to cancel its catwalk and France’s chamber of fashion allegedly reneged on a calendar agreement with its Italian counterpart.

A Fendi spokeswoman told WWD late Thursday that the Italian luxury house would forgo its runway show, slated for Jan. 21, the last day of the men’s shows. Instead, Sylvia Fendi will present the label’s men’s line by private appointment in Rome during the last week of January.

Dec 29, 2008




Although the world now knows that President-elect Barack Obama will wear a Hart Schaffner Marx single-button, notch-lapel tuxedo for the evening festivities on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, that isn’t stopping others from lining up for the role of the administration’s First Tailor. So WWD asked men’s designers what they thought the new president should wear on his historic day.

With his lanky 6-foot, 2-inch frame, basketball-toned physique and sophisticated élan, Barack Obama has all the makings of a presidential style icon. With endless references to John F. Kennedy, designers are eagerly anticipating a return to Camelot-era glamour. But Obama has cultivated a style all his own. Kennedy was a product of the East Coast establishment and its preppy, New England aesthetic, while the President-elect has humbler roots — albeit roots that led him to Columbia and Harvard (Kennedy’s alma mater). Indeed, Obama’s style tends to reflect his political philosophy: practical but carefully considered; modern but accessible.

While JFK was said to be horrified when he appeared on the cover of GQ — he didn’t want to be seen as fashion-conscious — Obama has happily appeared on the covers of GQ, Esquire, Men’s Vogue and even Men’s Health (with all his clothes on). “This is the first president in a very long time that has a great body for clothing,” noted Duckie Brown’s Steven Cox and Daniel Silver. “Because that’s true, he can wear a more modern, slim silhouette.”

For Obama’s big day on Jan. 20 on the steps of the Capitol, designers mostly see him in updated yet classic sartorial style. Tommy Hilfiger envisions a patriotic color combo of a navy blue suit, white shirt and red tie, while Brioni advocates for the iconic three-piece gray flannel suit, with an Italian twist: double vents. Of course, with men’s wear, it’s all about the subtle details, so Paul Smith edges his suit lapels with black grosgrain tape, and Kenneth Cole suggests a Fifties-era — but chic again — tie bar. Come evening and the inaugural balls, Rag & Bone and Dsquared want Obama to don a full-on tuxedo with tails, but Savile Row’s Richard James really pushes the envelope with a sequined tuxedo jacket.

Interestingly, none of the designers include that pesky campaign issue in their sketches: an American flag lapel pin.

dress111908.jpg

Here’s the creation that’s made of porcelain, literally. Chinese designer Li Xiaofeng brings a new meaning to the often-overused “fragile.”

Venerable skin care brand Erno Laszlo, which is named after the Hungarian dermatologist whose heyday was in the Sixties, is aiming for the Web in a big way.

The 81-year-old brand has launched a new e-commerce site, ernolaszlo.com, which is designed to be modern and more navigable to attract a younger audience.

“The old site was for hardcore users, but for new visitors coming on, it was difficult to navigate,” said Kim-Van Dang, a consultant for the New York-based brand. “We blew out the old site and started over.”



If there's one time of year that begs for a new outfit, it's the holidays. Pull off this season's fabulous formal trends with tips from an expert.

Believe it or not, it's that time of year again. It's the time of year to dust off your dancing shoes and prepare for another festive season. If you're in the market to shop for something new to wear to all your holiday events, then heed our helpful advice before you hit the shops. Robin Keeler, fashion director at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre, offers up helpful tips for finding the perfect holiday dress.

"Designers are currently having a love affair with dresses," says Keeler. And for every body type, she says, there is a flattering dress. "A fitted garment reveals the form of the body while loose garments disguise the shape underneath." But no matter what, nothing makes a dress look richer than a great fit.

The styles
This year, dresses remain strong, says Keeler. The looks are classic and confident, harkening back to a time gone by. Drawing inspiration from dresses from the ‘50s and ‘60s, this season's dresses have a retro flair but are updated with modern touches, details and embellishments. "Styles are curve-conscious and ultra-feminine," says Keeler. "Think fuller skirts, classic lines, refined."

The trends
According to Keeler, short, knee-, midcalf- and full-length dresses are all on trend this season. "The most popular length will be just above or just below the knee," she says. "This length seems to complement the majority of women. However dresses will go from the floor right up to mid thigh."

Popular fabrics run the gamut from silk and satin to chiffon, crepe and organza -- the usual holiday suspects. And when it comes to colour, Keeler says elegant jewel tones, shimmering metallics and claret red will all dominate, however black is still a party favourite.

The black dress
The versatile black dress is a holiday classic. "Day to night, the little black dress can be classic, elegant, sleek, sexy and slimming," says Keeler. But before you decide on any old black outfit, she offers the following advice:

-Look for details that flatter your body, such as waist details to optimize an hourglass shape, and pick a length around the knee for the most versatile look.

-Keep the legs bare or wear very sheer hose for the dressiest look.

-The little black dress carries accessories well so don't be afraid to embellish.

-The black dress is the perfect choice when you don't know what to wear or can't decide!

Holiday dresses: 7 dos and don'ts
Robin Keeler offers seven tips to help you find the party dress that's just right for you and how to wear it with style.

Do try on lots of different styles, cuts, lengths, colours and fabrics so you get a better idea of what looks good on you before you buy.

When shopping for a dress, do take along the appropriate underwear and shoes for trying on different clothes. Every dress requires the right underwear, so invest in it if you don't own it.

Do go easy when puttin' on the glitz -- (sparkle, shimmer, glitter, and shine). Know when enough is enough. One piece will usually do the trick.

Do consider body shapers. They are a great way to go if you want to have a smooth, jiggle-free look.

If you are unsure about going with something trendy, do try to find a dress that reflects classic, timeless elegance. Remember that you'll have to look at photos of yourself in the dress for years to come.

Do the cost-per-wear formula if you want to stay on budget: How much is the dress, plus projected dry cleaning costs, divided by how many times you will wear it in a year? Is this a good buy for you?

Do accessorize with the latest:
-Shoes: strapped sandals with jewels or velvet pumps
-Bag: a velvet, sparkle or satin clutch
-Jewelry: the chandelier earring, bejeweled necklaces and large jeweled bangle bracelets



MILAN —
Dolce & Gabbana is gearing up to launch its makeup line, which is expected to hit shelves at the end of January. Fragrance and cosmetics licensee Procter & Gamble Prestige Products collaborated to create the color cosmetics line, which took several years to produce. The designer duo also sought help creating their products from makeup artist matriarch Pat McGrath, who oversees the models’ faces backstage at Dolce & Gabbana fashion shows. It is rumored that a Hollywood starlet will be the face of the makeup line’s advertising campaign.


20-year Veteran Beauty Professional Takes the Helm of Stila



("Stila" or "Stila Cosmetics") today announced the promotion of Deanna Kangas as President and Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Ms. Kangas, who has served Stila as its Chief Marketing Officer since January 2008, brings over 20 years of creative marketing and management experience skills to her new role. Prior to joining Stila, Ms. Kangas co-owned and managed Strategic Growth Consulting, a marketing consulting firm as well as Swingtime Designs, a fashion and accessories manufacturing company, from 2005 to 2007. Prior to which, she served as General Manager of the Barbie Collector Division with Mattel and Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations with Gloss.com, where she was instrumental in propelling the site to a leadership position in beauty e-tail marketing and its sale to Estee Lauder. Ms. Kangas' extensive sales and marketing background includes developing and launching several noteworthy beauty and fragrance brands such as Michael Jordan Cologne and the Bath & Body Works fragrance division. Ms. Kangas succeeds Ken Ude who served Stila in its senior executive role since July 2007.

Stila is a nationally-recognized color cosmetics makeup brand, known for its stylish line of makeup, skin care, and fragrance products, as well as eco-friendly packaging. The brand has developed a following among young, fashion-forward consumers and is available in over 500 doors in the United States and 21 international markets, as well as www.stilacosmetics.com, www.Sephora.com, and www.Beauty.com. The Stila girl knows makeup is fun. Stila is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., a leading private investment firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and investments in market-leading companies.

T. Scott King, Managing Director, Sun Capital Partners, Inc., said, "We are very pleased with the promotion of Deanna Kangas as President and CEO of Stila Cosmetics. Since her appointment as CMO in January 2008, Deanna has demonstrated strong leadership skills and an ability to deliver consistent results through a comprehensive understanding of Stila's business model. We are confident that she will help develop many new and exciting products consistent with Stila's great heritage."

Deanna Kangas, President and CEO, Stila Cosmetics, added, "I am very pleased to be leading Stila's very talented worldwide team in growing the brand. In 2009, we will celebrating Stila's 15th anniversary as a beauty brand and I look forward to honoring Stila's strong heritage and mission- to help every woman celebrate her own unique beauty, to look and feel like the best version of herself, and to have fun doing it."



Borrowed from the TalkingShopping.com team.

Alright girls, it's the moment you've all been waiting for...the AMAZING finale of our super-exclusive interview with Sarah Palin's campaign trail makeup artist, Amy Strozzi!

In this installment of our Q & A with the celebrity and Emmy-nominated makeup artist, Amy dishes on all of the details of which brands and what products she used on Gov. Palin and oh-so-much more! Amy let us in on all of the secret specifics, so you can run out and get that flawless glow Gov. Palin was so frequently sporting in her many public appearances! And here it is, the final part of our JUICY interview with Amy Strozzi...

TS Q & A With Amy Strozzi - Part 3:

TS: Were the brands that you used specifically your favorites or did Governor Palin have a preference and ask you to use specific brands?

AS: We did use her personal foundation, Revlon Age Defying Makeup with Botafirm in Medium Beige (pictured; $13.99 at Drugstore.com) as part of her regimen. I just mixed in the GA foundation to give better coverage for television. Mostly, she let me do my thing.

TS: Within those brands, which products did you use the most? Specifically, which products did you use from which brands?

AS: My favorite things to use on the Gov's eyes were Chanel eye shadow quads in Variations (a staple) and Beiges de Chanel. When I wanted a more golden look, I used MAC single shadows in Amber Lights and Romp. Sephora Slim Eye Pencils in Dark Brown, Chocolate Brown, and Black. I loved MAC blush in Gingerly, and Cubic. Chanel blush (pictured below; $42 at Nordstrom) in Horizon, a gorgeous peach and Narcisse, a really soft pink, were both also used frequently. Her lip liner was an automatic L'Oreal pencil in Nudes, which we covered the lip with and then put a gloss over it in a color that I'm only revealing on my blog!

TS: When you met Governor Palin, did you come up with a certain "look" you thought she should have during the campaign trail, or was it a simple color matching process with her skin tone, etc.?

AS: I actually watched various news shows to see what was the standard vibe throughout politics, since it's an arena much different than celebrity or fashion. Plus, this woman was running for an extremely important office, so we had to walk a fine line with keeping her looking beautiful and fresh, but also appropriate for a White House candidate. There were probably three or four core looks I stuck with, using different color combinations to mix it up.

Want to read more of Amy's makeup-savvy insight? Her blog, The Beauty Manifesto is going live next week!

Missed the rest of Amy's exclusive Sarah Palin interview? Check out Part 1 and Part 2:

TS: Which brand(s) of cosmetics did you use when doing Governor Palin's makeup?

AS: I used various brands, as I usually do... in this case, I used a lot of Chanel and MAC as far as eye shadows and blushes...

TS: Have you come to favor one or two specific brands during your days as a makeup artist? If so, why?

AS: I love Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundations; they were originally formulated by Pat McGrath, makeup guru, and give an amazing coverage without being heavy. I also love Chanel eye shadows and MAC cream cheek colors. I probably have bits and pieces from every makeup line out there, whether it's found in a drugstore or Saks Fifth Avenue. L'Oreal Voluminous mascara (pictured; $7.60 at L'Oreal) in Carbon Black is a staple in my kit.

TS: Did you use the same brands on Governor Palin throughout the whole campaign for the most part, or did you mix it up a little?!

AS: I did generally use the same brands, mainly because there was very little time to find a makeup store and pick up anything new. Plus, I was very limited as to how much I could carry; it was a good exercise in creativity. I did switch up some techniques throughout though, and there was a moment where we switched to oil free face powder when the days began to get increasing long.

TS: If Sarah had to pick a favorite product that you used on her, which product and color do you think she would pick?

AS: I remember once, when I was doing a fun gold eye on her with two tones, she said, "I love how you do those eyes Amy..." I think it's difficult for women who wear glasses to find a way of wearing eye shadow that works for them...I wore glasses my whole life, so I have tricks. Also, she got very accustomed to the individual lashes I would put on her every morning....which, unfortunately are not so easy to do yourself!

Right: M.A.C. just released a new gold shadow color, the Brushed Metal-X Shadow in Gold Spice; $16.50 at M.A.C. Great for gold eyes!

Below: TS also loves Bobbi Brown's new Copper diamond Shimmer Brick to blend a few different shades of gold on the eyes and face; $40 at Bobbi Brown.

TS: Is Governor Palin's skin just naturally flawless (as it appears on TV), and the makeup was simply used to highlight her natural beauty, or did having her makeup done really change the look of her face?

AS: I have said this to just about everyone I speak to...the Governor's skin is the most beautiful skin I have ever worked with. Of course, makeup always helps to create an even canvas, but the condition of her skin was flawless. I attribute it to the clean Alaskan air, lots of fresh fish and protein, and a good fitness regime.

TS: Did Sarah seem to enjoy having her makeup done and learn a lot about how to properly apply makeup, or was she more apprehensive about the makeup process?

AS: She was definitely a bit apprehensive at first, which I think is normal for any woman who is used to doing everything for themselves, and then suddenly having a million people around you doing everything for you. The whole point of having so much assistance on the trail is to leave the candidate as free as possible to have meetings, do their reading, and tend to more official business.



Borrowed from the TalkingShopping.com team.

TS: If Sarah had to pick a favorite product that you used on her, which product and color do you think she would pick?

AS: I remember once, when I was doing a fun gold eye on her with two tones, she said, "I love how you do those eyes Amy..." I think it's difficult for women who wear glasses to find a way of wearing eye shadow that works for them...I wore glasses my whole life, so I have tricks. Also, she got very accustomed to the individual lashes I would put on her every morning....which, unfortunately are not so easy to do yourself!

Right: M.A.C. just released a new gold shadow color, the Brushed Metal-X Shadow in Gold Spice; $16.50 at M.A.C. Great for gold eyes!

TS: Is Governor Palin's skin just naturally flawless (as it appears on TV), and the makeup was simply used to highlight her natural beauty, or did having her makeup done really change the look of her face?

AS: I have said this to just about everyone I speak to...the Governor's skin is the most beautiful skin I have ever worked with. Of course, makeup always helps to create an even canvas, but the condition of her skin was flawless. I attribute it to the clean Alaskan air, lots of fresh fish and protein, and a good fitness regime.

TS: Did Sarah seem to enjoy having her makeup done and learn a lot about how to properly apply makeup, or was she more apprehensive about the makeup process?

AS: She was definitely a bit apprehensive at first, which I think is normal for any woman who is used to doing everything for themselves, and then suddenly having a million people around you doing everything for you. The whole point of having so much assistance on the trail is to leave the candidate as free as possible to have meetings, do their reading, and tend to more official business.




TS EXCLUSIVE: Q&A With Sarah Palin's Makeup Artist, Amy Strozzi!

Borrowed from the TalkingShopping.com team.

Since women across the country have been absolutely clamoring to know which makeup products Governor Sarah Palin was donning on the campaign trail, the TS team got in touch with celebrity and Emmy-nominated makeup artist Amy Strozzi, who just finished up her stint as Palin's official makeup artist on her race for the Vice Presidential office.

Now that Amy's back home and taking a much needed break from the political frenzy, she gave us an EXCLUSIVE first look inside the collection of makeup products she used to paint Palin's face! To say the least, the details are JUICY!

TS: Which brand(s) of cosmetics did you use when doing Governor Palin's makeup?

AS: I used various brands, as I usually do... in this case, I used a lot of Chanel and MAC as far as eye shadows and blushes...

TS: Have you come to favor one or two specific brands during your days as a makeup artist? If so, why?

AS: I love Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundations; they were originally formulated by Pat McGrath, makeup guru, and give an amazing coverage without being heavy. I also love Chanel eye shadows and MAC cream cheek colors. I probably have bits and pieces from every makeup line out there, whether it's found in a drugstore or Saks Fifth Avenue. L'Oreal Voluminous mascara (pictured; $7.60 at L'Oreal) in Carbon Black is a staple in my kit.

TS: Did you use the same brands on Governor Palin throughout the whole campaign for the most part, or did you mix it up a little?!

AS: I did generally use the same brands, mainly because there was very little time to find a makeup store and pick up anything new. Plus, I was very limited as to how much I could carry; it was a good exercise in creativity. I did switch up some techniques throughout though, and there was a moment where we switched to oil free face powder when the days began to get increasing long.



Jeanne Cummings


In this Dec. 1, 2008 file photo, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, center, waves to a AP – In this Dec. 1, 2008 file photo, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, center, waves to a crowd during a campaign …

Salons and spas, including $350 at Escape Skin Care and Day Spa in New York, were the latest unusual expenses to appear in the Republican National Committee’s coordinated expenses account with the McCain-Palin campaign, according to November reports released late Thursday.

Overall, the RNC has reported spending a total of about $180,000 for clothes and various accessories for the family of vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, Federal Election Commission records show.

As Politico first reported in October, the bulk of that spending, about $150,000, was spent in early September on clothes for the Alaska governor and her family.

The RNC’s post-Election Day report documented another $30,000 at outlets that read like a suburban shopping directory.

Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Limited, Foot Locker, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and Victoria’s Secret are all listed in between the expected payments for media buys, direct mail and polling.

Major payments to big department stores and boutique clothing outlets also continued. Thousands of dollars in payments to Macy’s, Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue — all major recipients of RNC cash in early September as Palin upgraded her wardrobe for the campaign — were made in October, too.

In addition, hundreds of dollars were also spent at Brooks Brothers, the Gap, Express and J.C. Penney on clothes and accessories, apparently for other members of the vice presidential nominee’s family.

Republican donors reacted with anger when news of the spending broke in October. Typically, such coordinated campaign accounts are used to supplement a party nominee’s advertising and voter turnout operations.

The November report, which is the first post-election accounting, shows that the RNC spent heavily — more than $19 million — on both of those political activities from its coordinated expenses account. The party also spent more than $34 million on independent expenditures in the final weeks of the campaign to help nominee John McCain's presidential bid.

As for the clothes, RNC spokesman Alex Conant said: "The accessories have been returned, inventoried and will be appropriately dispersed to various charities."




Following yesterday's report on an additional $30,000 in "accessories" spending by Governor Sarah Palin during the Presidential campaign, the New York Times has information on the money made by her makeup artist and hair stylist:

Gov. Sarah Palin's traveling makeup artist was paid $68,400 for roughly two months of work, according to a new campaign finance report filed with the Federal Election Commission.


Ms. Palin's makeup artist, Amy Strozzi -- who was nominated for an Emmy award for her cosmetics work on the television show "So You Think You Can Dance?" -- was paid $32,400 by Senator John McCain's presidential campaign between Oct. 16 and Nov. 24, the period covered by the most recent reports filed with the commission.

This amount came on top of the $36,000 she had already been paid in previous reports, dating back to September.

In addition, Ms. Palin's traveling hair stylist, Angela Lew, was paid a total of $42,225, with $23,400 coming during the period covered by the latest reports to the commission, which were due at midnight on Thursday.

Politico reports that in total, the Republican National Committee spent $180,000 on Palin and her family.





HONG KONG — Cosmoprof Asia wrapped up its three-day run Nov. 12 to 14 as beauty industry executives faced the prospect of a global recession with determined optimism.

“When economics are shaky, manufacturers and distributors still need a platform, a meeting place, to gather at a point where they can share their visions and understand what’s going on and what will be next,” said Laura Zaccagnini, the international affairs manager of Italian-based Sogecos Spa, which runs Cosmoprof’s network of shows in Bologna and Shanghai. A new event called Mumbai Style will make its debut in 2010.



Who says these are bleak times? On one matter at least, designers are positively euphoric. That is the Obama presidency, a two-part point of light. While much of the glee centers around the President-elect and his policies, Michelle Obama radiates a powerful style all her own. So step aside, Angelina. You too, Madonna, not to mention the bevy of pop tarts, gossip girls, "High School Musical" grads and even potential Oscar divas, now all suddenly second-tier. The American fashion industry hasn't had a catch this big since, well, since another icon of Democratic chic took up residency on Pennsylvania Avenue in 1961.

For the big guns at least, dressing Michelle may prove even more of a challenge, since her chic is more lowercase democratic than was Jackie's. Throughout the campaign, the first lady-to-be has avoided all major names save Narciso Rodriguez, while showing a proclivity for locals (Chicago's Maria Pinto), young types (Thakoon; Jason Wu) and cost-conscious labels (Donna Ricco; J. Crew).

Nevertheless, just about everyone yearns to dress Michelle, who could raise the profile of American fashion around the world. Yet with the exception of Maria Cornejo, her current favorites, as well as a few majors, declined WWD's request for sketches. Some are loath to presume to offer unsolicited advice, while others, it seems, are definitely in the Inaugural sweepstakes and prefer, or have been asked, to keep their participation low-pro.

But plenty more happily offered their visions for Michelle and her charming first daughters, for the big day and evening events of Jan. 20.





Khush Singh


Not only does the Fall season invoke warm feelings of watching the seasons change and gearing up for cooler temperatures, fashionistas out there are gearing up for the latest information on what’s hot, what’s new and what clothing items they must have in their wardrobes. Lucky for you, you can get the scoop right here.

Ah, the sweater. It seems like such a simple piece of clothing - it’s usually big and somewhat bulky and the purpose is to keep your warm and stave off the cold. Well, throw in a little design, style and flair and you’ve got a fashionable piece of clothing that can make quite the statement. The next time you get set to do a little shopping to update your Fall wardrobe, be sure to look into the latest generation of sexy sweaters that are anything but bulky. The latest trendy sweaters will include everything from form-fitting styles as well as oversized (but not in a way that would make you embarrassed to be seen in public). Turtlenecks will continue to remain popular, especially the kind that sport floppy turtleneck styles. Knitted sweaters with chunky and nubby designs as well as short-sleeved styles are definitely items you’ll want to snag for yourself. Layering also comes into play with trendy sweaters for the Fall season, as do belts both wide and narrow. You’ll have a virtual field day with the various outfits you’ll be able to mix and match with such trendy sweaters.

Not only have sweaters made a comeback, so has the tailored jacket. This article of clothing is one that will make or break your Fall style. Be sure to invest some time and money into seeking out just the right fit, color, style and design. Make sure to go for fitted styles to show off curves. Such jackets allow curves to be showcased but in a more flattering way, while being free of bulking bumps and lumps that can often occur with larger, stockier styles. Look for the following materials the next time you’re in the market for a new tailored jacket: leather, brocade, corduroy, plaids, velvet, luxe, tweed, and denim.

Whether you’re a business woman or like to have clothing prepared for all occasions, you’ll want to get a great black power suit. Classic black from top to bottom is practical, chic and timeless. Wool and other materials that allow for stretching are ideal and be sure to avoid fabrics that are too shiny or stiff. You’ll want movement and something that will fit your body type.

Another must-have item for your Fall wardrobe is a cashmere knit wrap. This piece of fabric is stylish and serves different purposes. You can carry it anywhere and can be worn with just about any outfit. You can even use it as a small makeshift blanket for when you’re cold. From a blouse and jeans to a cocktail dress, the cashmere knit wrap can complement just about any outfit you put together.


Not only does the Fall season invoke warm feelings of watching the seasons change and gearing up for cooler temperatures, fashionistas out there are gearing up for the latest information on what’s hot, what’s new and what clothing items they must have in their wardrobes. Lucky for you, you can get the scoop right here.

Ah, the sweater. It seems like such a simple piece of clothing - it’s usually big and somewhat bulky and the purpose is to keep your warm and stave off the cold. Well, throw in a little design, style and flair and you’ve got a fashionable piece of clothing that can make quite the statement. The next time you get set to do a little shopping to update your Fall wardrobe, be sure to look into the latest generation of sexy sweaters that are anything but bulky. The latest trendy sweaters will include everything from form-fitting styles as well as oversized (but not in a way that would make you embarrassed to be seen in public). Turtlenecks will continue to remain popular, especially the kind that sport floppy turtleneck styles. Knitted sweaters with chunky and nubby designs as well as short-sleeved styles are definitely items you’ll want to snag for yourself. Layering also comes into play with trendy sweaters for the Fall season, as do belts both wide and narrow. You’ll have a virtual field day with the various outfits you’ll be able to mix and match with such trendy sweaters.

Not only have sweaters made a comeback, so has the tailored jacket. This article of clothing is one that will make or break your Fall style. Be sure to invest some time and money into seeking out just the right fit, color, style and design. Make sure to go for fitted styles to show off curves. Such jackets allow curves to be showcased but in a more flattering way, while being free of bulking bumps and lumps that can often occur with larger, stockier styles. Look for the following materials the next time you’re in the market for a new tailored jacket: leather, brocade, corduroy, plaids, velvet, luxe, tweed, and denim.

Whether you’re a business woman or like to have clothing prepared for all occasions, you’ll want to get a great black power suit. Classic black from top to bottom is practical, chic and timeless. Wool and other materials that allow for stretching are ideal and be sure to avoid fabrics that are too shiny or stiff. You’ll want movement and something that will fit your body type.

Another must-have item for your Fall wardrobe is a cashmere knit wrap. This piece of fabric is stylish and serves different purposes. You can carry it anywhere and can be worn with just about any outfit. You can even use it as a small makeshift blanket for when you’re cold. From a blouse and jeans to a cocktail dress, the cashmere knit wrap can complement just about any outfit you put together.


Renee Zellweger

Tools of the Trade:
Strobe Cream moisturizer
Bare Canvas Paint eye shadow
Teddy Eye Kohl
Blacktrack Fluidline
Blossoming Blushcreme
Zoomblack Zoom Lash mascara
Beurre Cremestick Liner
Hug Me Lipstick


Get the Look:
Renee's red carpet look is always fresh and natural looking. The key is glowing skin with just the right amount of make-up to bring out her beautiful blue eyes and full lips. "Start by prepping the skin with Strobe Cream moisturizer to get Renee's healthy glow and blending a touch of the Crème Blush on the cheeks," says M·A·C senior artist Julie St-Laurent. Balance out any remaining blotchiness with MAC Studio Mist Foundation - its light texture is perfect for a natural finish.

For the eyes, blend Bare Canvas Paint eye shadow on the lid from lashes to brows. "Apply more product on the lid then under the brow to keep it looking natural," says Julie. "Then use Blacktrack Fluidline eyeliner to add fullness to the lashes and create Renee's signature sultry gaze." To bring out the eyes even more, Julie recommends using an eye pencil along the bottom lash line and gently blending for a softer effect. Finish with mascara for extra glamour. To complete the look, keep lips kissably soft and natural-looking with a pretty, nude shade.



Zooey Deschanel

Tools of the Trade:
Mineralize SkinFinish powder
Knight Divine Eye Shadow
Zoomblack Zoomlash Mascara
33 Lash


Get the Look:
Indie darling Zooey Deschanel's look is youthful, pretty and all about the eyes. To get her wide-eyed glamorous look, M·A·C Senior Artist Melissa Gibson, recommends starting with flawless skin by using Mineralize Skinfinish foundation all over the face. Next, use the shimmery shadow to softly rim the eye area. "The touch of frost will add a dreamy evening dimension," Melissa says. Next, take the eye to the next level with a generous helping of mascara or, for the ultimate in glamour, give your lashes a retro boost with mod-inspired false lashes. "Finish by keeping cheeks and lips soft and neutral," says Melissa. "That way when the paparazzi start taking pictures, all they'll notice is the sparkle in the eyes!"