Pretty in the Queen City

The Inspiration Behind the Line: Treasures in New Zealand

 

There are numerous countries vying to be the next major fashion capital and succeeding in taking attention away from the big four, from Stockholm to Sao Paolo, Tokyo to…New Zealand?Yes, it turns out that New Zealand produces more than just good rugby: Michelle Ng, designer behind couture headpiece and jewelry line Young&ng, is a New Zealand native who moved to New York 2 years ago to start her own line. Since then Young&ng has gone from strength to strength, becoming a favorite with press and stylists alike and is now just about to launch its 4th season.We’re always intrigued to discover the inspirations behind a designer’s work so Michelle Ng let us in on some of her favorite New Zealand hotspots to inspire, escape and indulge. The Inspiration Behind the Line: Michelle Ng of Young&ng lets us in on her 8 favorite Auckland, New Zealand treasures

Victorian Gilt

http://www.victoriangilt.co.nz

This store takes my breath away. New Zealand is so far away from the rest of the world so such treasures like these are very rarely found. The owner of the store takes trips around the world searching only for the most stunning pieces of anything ranging from fabrics, clothing, shoes to thimbles and ribbons.I haven't spent all my pennies there yet, however I spend nearly all my time with my head buried in the baskets and hands sorting through the treasures from dawn till dusk... My mother hates that we live right up to road from it. I never come home!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Tanuki's Cave                                                                                                                                                                

http://www.sakebars.co.nz/cave.html                                                                                                                      

This place is purely so cool.                                                                                                                                                  

They don't take reservations, they don't have a sign on the door. The people there are so down to earth and serve almost everything on a stick!The combination of New Zealands' freshest food with the simplest style of Japanese cooking is amazing. The atmosphere is dark, cosy and intimately loud. One other thing I love is that they are so loyal to what they serve, they don't change their menu. Ever. 

Mission Bay                                    

http://www.missionbay.co.nz/
I love Mission Bay.It's a very chill, easy access beach. Along Mission Bay, you have the BEST fish and chip shop - Fish Pot. Movenpick is a must for ice cream.                              

Michelle Ng

And the Belgium Beer Cafe for their white wine mussels and cigars for the boys... Every New Years day, this beach is packed with New Zealanders, positive thinking and high hopes for the new year.We have warm weather from November - March basically. The evening air and sight of freshly built sand castle is what I really come here for.  

       
The Chocolate Boutique

http://www.chocolateboutique.co.nz/

Now, I am not a person that particularly likes chocolate, however, I can never resist going when friends invite me out on a beautiful cold winter night. The desserts aren't very "artistically" decorated but it is all so wholesome and inviting, as if your mother made it just for you!Although my spoon only dabbles into friends’ varieties of orders, I always end up spending more than them on gifts and treats for loved ones.There aren't many seats as it is very intimate and lit by candles and moonlight. 

Taupo

 Some very close friends have this gorgeous beach house right on Lake Taupo.We used to all drive about 4 hours from Auckland to spend a long weekend there.We would then take the boat and sail to the other side of the island, park right on the pebble beach, pull out the cheese, breads, wine and other yummy picnic basket foods. For hours and hours we would just lay there, jet-ski and let the heat dry our hair. We all try and get together anytime all my friends are in the same country.Since we all live in different parts of the world, a trip to Taupo is a must we are all together in New Zealand.It always reminds us of why we all head home. 

Rotorua
I love the glowworms, the mud pools and how earthy Rotorua is.This place is so relaxing, with the beautiful clouds of steam from the natural earth.I remember getting onto a little boat with my family and some other family friends with a crying toddler. However, when the boat started moving into the darkness, these little beautiful colourful flickers of light started to come out and then there was complete silence. I know it sounds strange, but going in the freezing cold winter weather is a must... sitting in the heater spring pools reminds me of warmer days!

The Chiller

http://www.thechiller.co.nz/

This place is amazing for Breakfast or lunch and is tucked in the industry area of Parnell in Auckland. I went there after I failed my drivers licence for the 3rd time and after a bite of their meat pies and carrot cake, everything was alright again. The boys there are so nice and the salads change every day and are so so so fresh!One thing I love, they always have plenty copies of the New Zealand Herald, so I grab one of those, order and chill out. 

Cornwall Park
I love taking a stroll with my family through this big gorgeous park right to the summit of the hill.It is right by my house so there is never an excuse to not run around the park. When you reach the summit of the park, you can look down and people make messages with the rocks at the bottom.There are so many whimsical messages from  " will you marry me" to " I lost my wallet, if find, please call -------"There are sheep around and everything is so green and lush. A world I like to get lost in. There is a charming teahouse at the bottom of the park that my mother likes to take my brother, sister, and I when I am home. The scones with cream and jam are yummy with a lovely cup of tea in a garden full of butterflies...

LAST MINUTE COSTUME IDEA: Beat all those rival Black Swans this Halloween

With Halloween just days away, it looks like Black Swan is set to be one of the most popular costumes this weekend (we’ve seen many costume stores offering Lady Gaga costumes for 50-75% off, sooo last year darling!)No doubt there will be OTT interpretations, gory interpretations, lazy, badly executed interpretations and, of course, slutty interpretations but, if you’re planning to really stand out as the prima ballerina this Halloween, why not make your Black Swan the best of the lot with a striking headpiece from Young&ng.

Halloween is a time of fantasy, excitement and escape and allows us to become someone else (so no excuse for lazy or shoddy costumes!) Release your inner black or white swan with Young&ng’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection, designed to set its wearer apart from others and redefine the line between art and fashion. The pieces exemplify strength and power in the depths of desire, love and heartache - perfect for the Black Swan storyline.  But, all that aside, walk into the room in one of these headpieces and you’ll look fierce!!  All you need to master now is that tricky eye make-up…. 

From left to right: Gunmetal Headpiece, Gunmetal Bloodcell Crown with Studs, Encrusted Gold Headpiece  This stunning Gunmetal headpiece ($495.00) with its straight cut edges would certainly create a dangerous yet elegant black swan.   The Gunmetal with Studs Headband Crown ($645.00) would look fantastic for either a white or black swan costume; the white studs encrusted on the crown would match perfectly with a white swan and a perfect contrast accessory on a black swan. Need a touch of edge and glitz to add to your Halloween? Not a problem with this golden goddess piece. The Encrusted Gold Head Piece ($995.00) would top off the perfect black swan costume, allowing the wearer to really make their costume their own creative work of art (and will be a piece you’ll treasure long after the 31st). All pieces are available from www.YoungandNg.com

 

Halloween Inspiration from NYX Cosmetics

It's that time of year my Pretties....the one day a year it's ok to pretend to be something you're not. HALLOWEEN. Have you chosen your costume? I will be taking my sweet daughter trick or treating so no dressing up for me this year BUT I just have to share what I found with you guys. 

NYX Cosmetics is one of my favorite lines-beautiful bold colors, quality makeup and best of all-AFFORDABLE. So, if you still need help coming up with some Halloween inspiration-NYX is your go to.

I decided to go for a mod look....Twiggy-inspired!!  

I used NYX Fabulous Lashes in Guilty Pleasure, Candy Glitter Liner in El Dorado, Pump it Up Lip Plumper in Jessica(LOVE LOVE LOVE) and the Slide on Pencil in Azure (you can't beat the slide on pencil by NYX)

I LOVE the way lashes look on me.

The nude lips are very Kim Kardashian....don't you think? This is by using one of my fav products from NYX Pump It Up Lip Plumper.  Each formula plumps up your lips immediately. Each shade is Hollywood inspired with names such as Scarlett, Jessica, Angelina, Kim and Pamela.

The silky smooth eye pencil gives an intense rich color. This liner glides on smoothly, doesn't smear and is waterproof.

NYX has 50 styles of eyelashes from chic everyday glamour to funky colors, crystals and glitter. 

So, while I won't be dressing up for Halloween, I will still be using the fun colors for my everyday look. 

Who inspires your Halloween makeup? What will you be stepping out in at all the exciting Halloween parties?

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ABOUT NYX COSMETICS:

NYX, named after the ancient Greek goddess who ruled the night, is known for its high quality, professional makeup and incredibly wide shade selection-ideal for both artistry and every day creative looks. NYX Cosmetics features 2 sub-brands. Black Label, the higher-end, premium line, and NYX Girls, a fun, trend line with brighter and ligther formulas. Since it's launch in 1999, NYX has introduced products in every makeup category and has rarely discontinued a shade. It is one of the fastest growing cosmetics brands domestically and internationally. For more information, please visit http://www.nyxcosmetics.com 

Ouidad Receives the First Annual CEW Great Idea Award

OUIDAD TO RECEIVE FIRST ANNUAL GREAT IDEA AWARD at 2011 CEW ACHIEVER AWARDS   Legendary “Queen of Curl” Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to the Beauty Industry     Congrats to Ouidad for being presented with the Great Idea Award at the 2011 Achiever Awards Luncheon held by CEW on Friday, October 14th. This annual luncheon acknowledges the achievements of the cosmetic industry’s most talented women and serves as an inspiration for future female leaders and companies to support women’s advancement.  Ouidad was the first to receive this prestigious honor in front of over 1,000 beauty executives in attendance.     Ouidad was the first to create a new category, for curly hair specifically, in the established hair care industry.  Working as a stylist, she identified a huge unmet need for her clients, so she created the first salon and product line dedicated to curly hair.  She instilled confidence in curly haired women providing them with in-salon and at-home solutions to care for their hair.  Ouidad encourages women everywhere to embrace their natural beauty as she continues to nurture this category she created.      Ouidad, internationally recognized hair stylist, salon owner, global educator, curl expert, and industry icon, is credited for creating the curly hair industry.  A true pioneer, in 1984 she opened the first salon in the country to cater exclusively to curly hair.  Since then her trademarked cutting and styling techniques and specialized line of award winning products, have instilled confidence in curly and wavy haired people everywhere.   With two flagship salons located in New York City and Santa Monica and certified salons nationwide, Ouidad is "all about the curl.”  Her award winning product line is formulated exclusively for curly hair,working from the inside out to leave curls healthy, manageable and frizz free.  Ouidad products deliver the highest quality, results oriented solutions for all kinds of curls.   The 2011 Achiever Awards Luncheon was held on October 14th, 2011 at the Waldorf Astoria. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Cosmetic Executive Women, Inc. (CEW) is a nonprofit professional organization with over 4,400 female and male executives in the beauty, cosmetics, fragrance, and related industries. CEW develops the leadership potential of its members through access and the sharing of knowledge. CEW’s membership is multigenerational and equally representative of entry-, mid- and senior-level executives. CEW is based in NYC, and it has associated organizations in France and the United Kingdom. For more information, log on to www.cew.org.

 

Dr. Jules Nabet Zen Lotion

 

Breeze Comfort Introduces a New Collection of High Performance Sports Bras

BREEZE COMFORT INTRODUCES A NEW COLLECTION OF HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS BRAS AND ATHLETIC APPAREL FOR 2011

 

ANDDDD I had the chance to check them out. Jealous are we? I was sent a lovely box of goodies from L.A. actress and socialite, Alexandra DiNova (She's also a former Queen City Pretty!). I was pretty excited to see a couple of items from Breeze Comfort as Alexandra had spoken highly of them in the past. She's not just one of their spokesmodels, she truly breathes this line. 

I immediately jumped at the opportunity to wear my sports top by Breeze Comfort. Who doesn't want to look fabulous while they are working on their fitness? I was pleasantly surpised. Breeze Comfort after all claims to have the most breathable padded bras and sports bras. I absolutely loved this top. 

Have you ever purchased a bra from Breeze Comfort? What did you think?

LOS ANGELES, CA, September 2011—The intimate apparel brand, Breeze Comfort has just announced the introduction of an innovative collection of sports bras andathletic apparel to debut. Brand designers and scientists have come together to develop the high performance, fashion forward collection for today’s athletic woman.

Breeze Comfort utilizes Ventipad™, a revolutionary invention in bra pad technology created for the ultimate breathability. Unlike traditional bra pads, the Ventipad™ has perforations throughout the padding, which allows the passage of air and moisture in the area around the chest. Bill Lee, the Managing Director of Breeze Comfort, further explains the unique technology. “Moisture wicking fabric alone in traditional, paddedbras is not enough to create a truly breathable, high performance garment. The brapads or cups act as sponges collecting moisture throughout the day.  The patented ventilation channels in the Ventipad™ enable increased air circulation to occur, which allows for perspiration to evaporate more quickly. The result is less moisture and heat,which translates to a more comfortable experience.”

Providing ultimate coolness and comfort, Breeze Comfort bras are the perfect choice forworking out. The brand has already garnered a great group of celebrity fans – Holl and Roden, Blake Lively, Heather Morris, Tiffany Hines and Annie Ilonzeh to name a few!

Providing ultimate coolness and comfort, Breeze Comfort bras are the perfect choice for your new work out routine!

To see all the latest styles, colors and pricing visit http://www.breezecomfort.com/products. Prices range from $20.00 to $40.00 and are available at http://www.breezecomfort.com.

Four Simple Steps to the Flawless Face from Laura Mercier

"Before applying any colour, I always prepare the skin first. I create a fresh canvas with a flawless finish. Making your skin look perfect is the first and most important thing you can do to achieve a truly great look. The key is to enhance your natural beauty-whether you use all products together one day, or just a little Secret Camouflage and Setting Powder when you are on the go."-Laura Mercier

I ADORE products by Laura Mercier. I have been a fan for a few years now thanks to my product loving sister in law. She makes sure my stocking is full of Laura Mercier products! The biggest positive to me is the fact that I get a very natural look with these products. It's never over the top and best of all, it stays in place! 

Laura believes there are four steps to a flawless face. Prime the skin, apply the foundation, conceal and set with powder. Easy, right? What's great is, if you're running out of time and need a quick fix , you don't have to follow all four steps. In the photos below, I used only the foundation primer and tinted moisturizer spf 20 by Laura Mercier. I also threw on some mascara and lipgloss and I was ready to go! 

Laura believes there are four steps to create a flawless face—primer, foundation, concealer, and setting powder. Each product has been specifically developed to allow every woman to achieve an incredibly even, smooth, yet natural-looking complexion.

Step 1. PRIME THE SKIN

Laura's invention, Foundation Primer, creates the perfect canvas for makeup application.

Step 2. APPLY FOUNDATION

Laura believes makeup should look as natural as possible and created Foundations and Tinted Moisturizers to be used only where needed.

Step 3. CONCEAL

Laura never goes anywhere without concealer-her award winning Secret Camouflage (which I absolutely LOVE) completely covers imperfections.

Step 4. SET WITH POWDER

For a look that lasts all day Laura recommends setting makeup with Loose Setting Powder.

 

For more information on Laura’s flawless philosophy and tips on how to use each product withineach step is located here: http://bit.ly/qEdysD

If you are telling others, they can get their perfect products to create their ultimate flawless faceusing our flawless face finder: http://bit.ly/eOvLjf

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Compensation was provided by Laura Mercier via Glam Media. I received a sample to review aspart of the program. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative

 

Guest Appearance on Charlotte Today; Fight Wrinkles

 

Miss USA Joins Forces with Rain Cosmetics and Skins 6|2

 

Miss USA Joins Forces with Rain Cosmetics and Skins 6|2 to Benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Southern Nevada®

 

The Rain Cosmetics team with Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella moments after winning the crown   What: Rain Cosmetics, Las Vegas' premier beauty brand will launch at Skins 6|2 inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with an event hosted by Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011. The launch party will raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research while celebrating the new relationship between the chic cosmetics line and the exclusive boutique. Why: Rain Cosmetics has partnered with the Miss Universe Organization as the Official Cosmetics Sponsor of the 2011 MISS USA® Pageant, who's charity platform is breast and ovarian cancer research. Rain Cosmetics and Skins 6|2 will donate 100% of the proceeds from Suite Lip Therapy sales on October 21st to Susan G. Komen For the Cure of Southern Nevada®. Who: Attendees are invited for makeup applications, photo opportunities with Miss USA, and to shop for the cause. Those who donate will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win additional items. When: Friday, October 21st from 6-8pm. The private event begins at 6:00pm with champagne and hors d'oeuvres and doors will open to the public at 7:00pm.   Where: Skins 6|2 Cosmetics is located on the second level of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas at 3708 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, NV 89109. To RSVP for the private portion of the event please email rsvp@raincosmetics.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ About Rain Cosmetics Rain Cosmetics is the first makeup line born in Las Vegas—inspired by the city's glamorous nightlife. With its sleek, chic packaging, richly pigmented colors, and high-definition finishes, Rain is rapidly becoming as celebrated as the city the products are named after. From Peepshow and The Strip to Velvet Rope and Stretch Limo, the eye shadows, lip glosses and foundations are synonymous with celebrity style. For more information, visit: www.raincosmetics.com and follow the brand on Twitter @Rain_Cosmetics. About Skins 6|2 Skins 6|2 Cosmetics at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is the first U.S. outpost of the family-owned retail company. Skins 6|2 has developed a truly innovative approach to delivering its products to the world. By developing the practice of “retail-theater,” Skins 6|2 invests time in telling the story of each brand offered. As a result, clients have the opportunity to acquire a deep appreciation for the boutique’s unique collection of fragrances; distinctive skin and hair care products, home fragrance and accessories. Skins 6|2 actively pursues to represent the absolute best and most unique brands available, those known for authenticity, craftsmanship, passion and quality. About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the Komen Southern Nevada Affiliate Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. The Southern Nevada Affiliate of Komen for the Cure is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. They join more than a million breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Komen Southern Nevada Race for the Cure®, the Southern Nevada Affiliate has invested over $5.1 million in community breast health programs in Clark, Nye, Lincoln, Esmeralda, White Pine and Mineral counties. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Affiliate stays in Southern Nevada. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program to fund research. For more information, call 702.822.2324 or visit www.komensouthernnevada.org.   The Miss Universe Organization, a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture, is a global community empowering role models of beauty, health and leadership for young women of today. As part of the Miss Universe Organization, Miss USA is dedicated to partnering with charities around the world, and to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. For more information, visit: www.missusa.com and follow them on Twitter @TheRealUSA.

 

typeF: The Best Selling Volumizing Hair Products

Check out my latest article at typeF.com

The Best Selling Volumizing Hair Products

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