Get Your Shop On: Purple Lab Has Launched On HSN! Watch TONIGHT!

This is just a quick service announcement because it's not a secret that I have a huge affinity for Purple Lab Cosmetics (I'm currently rocking Kitty Poledancer gloss as we speak). Well, the great day has arrived because now all of you EVERYWHERE can get your hands on some amazing double duty beauty! They've officially made their debut on Home Shopping Network to RAVE reviews. So happy and proud to have watched this little beauty brand that could get off from the ground floor!

Now you have no excuse but to get your hands on some fabulous makeup, especially since they've just launched five new products that will blow your mind.

Here's the viewing schedule so rearrange your schedule accordingly because you'll want to see my girl Karen Robinovitz in ACTION!


Friday, February 19th 7p.m. - 8p.m. EST (that's TONIGHT, people!)

Sat, February 20th 2a.m. - 3a.m. EST (so you PST peeps, 11p.m. on Fri)

Go to www.hsn.com/purplelab for more info but watch and shop until your credit card starts to smoke!

Stylish Viewing: The Robert Verdi Show Starring Robert Verdi

I think it's pretty safe to assume that FSB and Robert Verdi have kind of a love-love relationship. I wouldn't say that we love him, adore him and want to carry his designer bags everywhere he goes....but that wouldn't be too far off.

People always ask me, what's it like to meet Robert Verdi? Well, wonder no more because the celebrity stylist and lifestyle guru has his own reality show premiering TONIGHT on LOGO.


The Robert Verdi Show Starring Robert Verdi (yes, that's really the name) is all about Robert and his attempts to build his empire. You'll get to go behind-the-scenes at Luxe Lab, meet the staff (all of whom I adore - Hi Ashley, Patrick, Deirdre and crew!) and watch as Robert works through his crazy ideas on how to rule the world. You're thinking, reality is really far-fetched. Knowing Robert, I'll vouch: this is pretty dead-on accurate minus the graphic images and cartoon imagery that comes up every once in a while (and after a couple of cocktails at Luxe Lab even those would appear completely reasonable.)

It's heartfelt, it's HILARIOUS and it's incredibly sweet (in certain instances). So set your DVRs to "stunning" and record, savor and WATCH Robert's new reality show, premiering tonight at 10 pm ET on LOGO. Check your local listings and watch, discuss and laugh until your butt falls off.

Stylish Viewing: Watch Lady Gaga on Bravo's "Launch My Line"

I admit that I was a little slow to get on the Lady Gaga bandwagon but I believe I can now consider myself a fan, especially of the superstar's ingenious costumes and fashion sense. Well, for those of us who are fashion AND music obsessed, we can get our fix by tuning into Bravo's new fashion competition show, Launch My Line this Thursday, January 6th to watch Lady Gaga make her appearance. Honestly, I've been watching out of nothing but love for my boys Dean and Dan Caten, the geniuses behind one of my favorite labels, DSquared, but throwing Gaga in the mix as a challenge for the would-be designers is bound to make it A Very Special Episode, indeed.

So, my fashion and music lovers out there, set your DVRs for stunning to record (or just watch if you're home) Lady Gaga on Bravo's Launch My Line this coming Thursday, January 6th at 10e/9c pm. Let's all tune in to see who gets her fashion seal of approval and which pairing becomes the style equivalent of a bad romance.

America's Next Top Beauty Model: Enter the Purple Lab HSN Model Search!

Is that you over there, practicing your best magazine cover face in the mirror? Honey, if you've ever wanted to be a model, Purple Lab Cosmetics wants to give you a shot at your big break!

You see, Purple Lab (maker of my makeup bag staple Huge Lips, Skinny Hips) is heading to Home Shopping Network next year with some genius new products, like Lashionista Modelista (mascara and liquid liner duo), Silk Sheets (luxe foundation), Luvah (double-plumping lip stain with glossy topper and aphrodisiacs), Luxury Squared (concealer and highligher in one), and Cheek Implants (cream blush with collagen). None of these products are even in stores yet but you can get on the waitlist and pre-order them now via these links.

In order to celebrate their appearance on HSN in February 2010, they're looking for a spokemodel. Oh yes, former Star Search watcher, they want a fabulous person to stand beside Creatrix Karen Robinovitz (practice the pronunciation now: it's row-BIN-oh-vits) and help properly display those genius products to millions and MILLIONS of HSN viewers.

Purple Lab is about beauty and glamour and since we all know that has nothing to do with height, body weight or preference of handbag, this contest is open to anyone and everyone. If you think you're fierce enough to strut your stuff in front of tens of millions of viewers and make love to the camera, submit a photo or video that best explains why you should be chosen to be the glamour gal for this double duty beauty brand. After that, Karen will announce the winner LIVE on HSN on February 18th at 8 pm. So pack your bag, because if you win you will be whisked away for a trip to Florida (do I post the best contests or what? Florida in Feburary? I'm totally jealous) and appear on HSN!!!

More details are available here but, I mean, really, what more can I give you other than a chance to become a star? Enter now and remember the little people! Good luck!

Evening Glamour: Announcing Timeless by Naeem Khan for HSN, Available Now!

I recently attended the sneak preview and launch party for Timeless by Naeem Khan, a line that the legendary designer has created exclusively for HSN. Created alongside his red-carpet designs, these amazing designs are available starting right now on HSN (and if you're near a television, the legendary designer is on right now). It's one thing to see how amazing the designer's work can be via HSN but let me show you how impeccable these pieces are up close and personal.


All of these amazing dresses are available via HSN and every piece of Naeem's work is couture-quality. These are collectors pieces that are meant to last.



This top is spectacular in person. I will be purchasing it (item number 543-796, btw). This is an amazing investment piece that will look amazing for years to come.



This solid sequin v-neck dress is unbelievable and is very figure flattering.



This Leopard Motif Boat Neck Dress is unbelievable in person and a genius statement piece that will last for years.


The designer (center) with his wife, accessories designer Ranjana Khan (left) and me at the HSN premiere party.

The designer and his wife couldn't have been more accommodating, sharing his design philosophy with guests. It's rare to be able to get couture quality at such an amazing price. Turn to HSN right this minute or head to the HSN website and get in on this limited, special collection from legendary designer Naeem Khan.

Beauty Buzz: M•A•C Cosmetics Behind the Scenes of Mad Men

We all know that everyone is completely crazy for the brilliance that is AMC's Mad Men, but did you know that the genius makeup line, M•A•C Cosmetics, does the makeup? The show's Makeup Department Head, M•A•C artist Lana Horochowski, give you a little behind the scenes of what it takes to get the look of your favorite retro TV heroines:

Q: You’re the new department head for Mad Men for Season 3, will you be making any changes to any characters makeup?
A: Since we are moving a little forward into the future, we have changed up the color palette for each character to go along with the time period.

Q: When you were preparing for this season, did you do any research for inspiration? If so, what inspired you most?
A: Weeks and weeks of meetings and research. I love looking through the old magazines. They are a great reference and a huge source of inspiration; however, we do try to keep the characters looking like real people that do their own makeup and not like movie stars with a makeup artist standing by. Magazines and old movies are a great guideline for a basic look and color selection.



Q: How would you describe the looks of each one of the characters? How do they differ?
A: Joan Holloway- always put together, very sassy and sexy
Betty Draper- although she is a housewife she is an ex-model, so her makeup is clean but very current for the period
Peggy Olson- Peggy is a young and fresh faced business woman of that period, she is a very clean natural makeup

Q: What are your key products for creating the makeup looks for the main female characters?
A: Joan Holloway- We do a heavier eye on Christina, so the key products would be eyeliner and strip lashes.
Betty Draper- Betty has 2 distinct looks, her at home look and her going out/evening look. For home she is very natural, basically a sheer foundation, think black eyeliner and mascara. Evening Betty goes a little thicker on the liner and a brighter lipstick, but aalways coordinated with her clothing.
Peggy Olson - Since the key to Peggy’s look is to appear as though she is wearing no makeup, a great foundation is super important. Also, a natural cheek and lip stain is applied to give her a little color.

Q: What are your favorite M•A•C products for each character?
A: Joan Holloway- Cream Colour Base in Virgin Isle, Fluidline in Blacktrack and Rich Ground, brown and black, and Eye Shadow in Soft Brown.
Betty Draper - Cream Colour Base in Virgin Isle, Blushcreme in Posey, and Lipsticks in Vegas Volt, Lip Pencil in Redd and Cherry
Peggy Olson - Eye Shadow in Orb, Vanilla, and Soft Brown and Blot Powder


Q: Everyone always notices the lips on the show, but brows seem to play a very important part to the look. Can you talk about the brows on the show?
A: Women of the 60's had a stricter code of style and etiquette, so people tended to follow the trends closer to the book. Nowadays, women have a variety of different brow styles so we are constantly tweezing, shaping, and filling the brows to recreate the look of the period.

Q: Each character has the most perfect lashes framing her eyes. What are your favorite lashes to use to get that perfectly plump line of lashes?
A: We love the M•A•C individual lashes as well as the traditional strip lashes.

Q: Do you collaborate with the hair and costume departments when coming up with a look?
A: Absolutely! We have at least 3 meetings per episode to create the look as a unit. I could not do this show without Lucia Mace (hair), Janie Bryant (costumes), and my fabulous key Ron Pipes!

Q: There seems to be a lot of making out on the show, how many times do you have to redo those red lips? Does it get messy?
A: We do what we can to seal the lip color, but we still have to go in every take to perform a minor clean up.

Q: What can real women take away from the show’s look and incorporate into their everyday look?
A: Well, a great start would be lining the top lash line only with a gel liner like M•A•C Fluidline. We love this product for recreating the perfect 60's eye. Also, replacing gloss and sheer or shimmer lipsticks with matte reds, bright pinks, and corals help create a more retro look. Lastly, instead of a powder blush try using creme in pinks and corals to create a flushed looking cheek. For evening, strip lashes are always a bonus.

FSB Recap: Anna Wintour on Late Night with David Letterman

Photo Credit: Richie Buxo / Splash News

Did you happen to catch Late Night with David Letterman last night? In case you missed it, Vogue EIC Anna Wintour was Dave's first guest as part of her press tour to promote The September Issue. Dave threw his normal kidding jokes at Anna about her legendary "ice queen" reputation and not only did the legendary editrix hold her own against the talk show host, she was actually funny! She was engaging, humorous and quite likable. Here's Anna (in Carolina Herrera, not Prada, btw) in a segment from last night's interview. Well done, Anna!

Jewelry Obsession: Gemma Redux

If you're a fan of Gossip Girl or have turned the pages of a major magazine in the past year, you've seen the brilliant jewelry of Gemma Redux. The brainchild of Rachel Dooley, she started making the jewelry while she was studying for the bar exam and after buyers got a look at the amazing pieces, she found a whole new way to put that brilliant mind to use. This amazing jewelry label is quite the celebrity staple: Cameron Diaz , Blake Lively, Jessica Alba and countless other celebrities are all about Rachel's inspired designs from vintage and new metals, petrified wood, and brilliant geodes and gemstones.

I've been a fan for a while and covered the line for Shefinds last year, so when I got an opportunity to meet Rachel and view the collection in person at Crystal Intermezzo (the upscale Accessories Show in NYC), I jumped at the chance to snap some photos and show you exactly why every woman needs to own at least one piece of Gemma Redux jewelry. The necklace at the top is an example of one of the stunning pieces for fall. Drool-worthy, isn't it?


This is the "Carolyn" bracelet ($272), which is made of stainless and gold-plate steel mixed with dark blue agate stones.



This necklace took my breath away. It's called the "Carolyn" necklace ($444) and it's made with rock crystal surrounded by mixed metals. The ultimate mixture of rough and refined, it's a serious style statement and quite the investment piece.

Want to know more about Rachel and her amazing jewelry line? Click here to view the Gemma Redux website and commence shopping but be ready: wear her pieces and you'll be the center of all the gossip, girl.

Jewelry Heaven: An Interview with Robyn Rhodes

I am an obsessive Entourage fan for the writing (and Adrien Grenier, who are we kidding?), but I also love looking at the wardrobe featured on the show. Loving the amazing baubles shown on the lovely ladies on the show? That's fantastic LA-based jewelry designer Robyn Rhodes. I'm personally obsessed with her bohemian chic pieces and had a chance to find out what makes the designer tick.

How did you get your start making jewelry?
I started making jewelry since I was twelve years old as just a hobby but I worked in Film and Television for six years before I picked up jewelry making as a full-time career. I was waiting for the phone to ring for my next job working freelance in tv/film production just after 9/11 when my aunt showed me a $20 necklace that her son have given to her. When I saw this necklace -- glass marbles glued to a wound up long piece of wire that would you get at your local hardware store with a piece of leather that you would tie around your neck -- and found out how much my cousin paid for it, I was outraged and said, " I can do that, and for cheaper!" I picked up all the materials and started making them for friends, family, etc. Seven years later, I never thought that a glass marble $20 necklace would jump start such a fulfilling career!

What are your major inspirations for your jewelry? What inspired you for this collection?What do you look to for inspiration when designing?
When I go shopping for stones and charms, my mind goes crazy with designs! I start from the design concepts and then begin thinking about what color stones would go with what. I really love free-flowing designs that can take you from day to night; that is one of the most important aspect of all my collections. I also like to look to my former film and TV career for inspiration -- old movies, tv, even old fashion magazines. I can be inspired by everything and anything. I typically design jewelry in my sleep and have to keep a notepad by my bed!



What are some of your favorites from your collection?
I love, love earrings!! So I am always wearing either my double hoop earrings called Mattie or my red quartz Samantha earrings (seen above). Then I just layer up the necklaces such as the Rita, Deirdre, Corey, and another fave, Grace.




What are your favorite items of clothing? How would you describe your own personal style?
I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. It works for me - especially when I layer up the jewelry!

Who is the woman who wears your jewelry? Describe the Robyn Rhodes customer.
I'd like to think that Robyn Rhodes jewelry is for people who do not typically wear jewelry; they hesitantly buy one piece in silver and next thing you know, they're wearing five pieces of RR jewelry at once, and in gold!

Want to get your own amazing pieces of Robyn Rhodes jewelry? She's hooking you up, FSB subscribers! Enter code "FSB2009" at checkout and receive 20% off your purchase. Although I must warn you, once you start wearing Robyn's fantastic pieces, you'll might have to gather your own entourage and head out on the town. This is jewelry that's meant to be scene, so take it for a spin on your next night out.

FSB On the Scene: Ted Gibson Celebrates His New Gig on "What Not To Wear"

No doubt you've heard the news that TLC's What Not To Wear has a new hair guru and it's none other than legendary stylist Ted Gibson! Oh yes, ladies: not only will Clinton and Stacy be unfrumping (yes, I made that up) hapless folks across the country but their hair will now be in the capable hands of the mane man for Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Diane Von Furstenberg and countless other media mavens, socialites and fashionistas. Last night, Ted had a little soiree at his Fifth Avenue salon to celebrate his new part time gig and Fashion.Style.Beauty was on the scene. When I tell you that Ted is not only the consummate host but one of the nicest, most genuine people you will ever meet, I'm not overstating matters.

When I asked Ted why he decided to take on the TLC gig, he said that it's all about bringing the experience of luxury to everyday people, that you shouldn't have to be wealthy or a celebrity to know how to look your absolute best. He's putting his money where his mouth is: his amazing line of hair products are now available at Target! I'm obsessed with the Ted Gibson Hairsheets ($24.95), a quick conditioning treatment you can simply wipe on, brush and go. Perfect for the gym bag, people.


So learn a little more about the genius that is Ted Gibson, then tune in tonight to watch What Not To Wear. Things just got a little more fabulous around here.

FSB Behind the Scenes: Bravo's The Fashion Show

Ok, so I admit that as much as I love Bravo's The Fashion Show, I have been completely remiss in keeping up with posts on it but you HAVE been watching, haven't you? Between the reality show drama and the real-live advice you can take away from this show, it's must-see programming, people. Tune in right this minute if you haven't already.

The look at left is the winning look from the challenge on Episode 7, where the designers had to design an outfit inspired by Isaac Mizrahi's mood board in less than eight hours. While I adore the outfit (you can buy a look inspired by the winning design here), I was mad for the hair. TRESemme's Jeanie Syfu, the lead stylist on the show, tells how to get this look:

• Apply TRESemmé Thermal Creations Instant Heat Tamer Spray on dry hair concentrating on the mid-shaft to ends.
• Starting at the nape, use a 1/4" curling iron to create small ringlets from roots to ends.
• Once entire head is curled, create a center part and finger through to loosen and fluff the curls.
• Rub TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Crème on hands, and twirl small sections of hair around the finger to create definition.

I gave it a shot and it totally works. See photo of me with my new rockin' do below out to dinner at NYC's Cafeteria with my friend Suzette:















I was invited backstage to watch the taping of the finale episode featuring the finalists' collection at the legendary Cipriani Wall Street last week. The photo below is a sneak preview. I can't show you most of the backstage photos until after the episode airs but I promise they're totally worth it!

(You might recognize the two models in the photo : the gorgeous girl with curly hair is Nazri from Project Runway. The girl at the far left is Bianca Golden, a runner-up from America's Next Top Model.)

So, tune in tonight and check out all the drama, intrigue and real-life style advice. Do not miss another episode, people. After all, life is a fashion show!

Wardrobe, Hairstyle and Real Style Tips: How to Watch Bravo's "The Fashion Show"

I decided I wanted to wait a couple of episodes to review Bravo's new fashion reality show, The Fashion Show to make sure that if I did decide to watch and review the show, it's because I truly thought it was worth watching and reviewing. After Episode 3, I'm now hooked. Isaac's comments are fabulous (as always), Fern Mallis is genius and Kelly Rowland...well, I still can't figure that whole thing out exactly but I'm staying with it. In any case, this is my personal guide on how to get the most out of watching The Fashion Show.

Wardrobe tips - If you watch these shows with an eye for how the designers style their looks down the runway, they give you a perspective on what works and what doesn't in regards to silhouette, fabric choice, fit and construction. It's easy to armchair quarterback something that looks awful on television but if you don't immediately go back to your own closet to make sure that you immediately set fire to an article of your own wardrobe that might be doing the same to you, you're missing an opportunity here. We all have something in our closets that do this, people. Have a glass of wine after every episode and cross your fingers that awful jacket isn't sitting in your own closet.



Hairstyling tips - TresSemme is a genius haircare line and the looks that Jeanie Syfu and her team send down the runway are completely translatable to every day life. Pay attention to the hair: it's always well-styled but never so elaborate or complex that it distracts from the clothes, which means that it's usually easy to replicate the look. Exhibit A is the hair on the winning garment, a simple but chic ponytail: run TresSemme 24 Hour Body Sculpting Spray Gel through your wet hair, blow it dry using a paddle brush, then tie it into a pony at the crown. Create quick waves in the ponytail with a 1" curling iron and finish it off with TresSemme 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray. Runway ready in no time flat.



Real-life takeaways - This week's Harper's Bazaar challenge was for the teams to perform basic repair to a jacket and a skirt in a very short amount of time. Think this is unreasonable? What happens if you have a button come off, your hem fall our or the lining of your jacket rips before a big presentation? Even mere mortals should know how to sew. Those Harper's Bazaar challenges have more real-life application than you think. Last week's challenge where they had to decide what was designer and what was fake? Watch and learn, people.


Of course, the fun - Look, we all know how much I adore Isaac Mizrahi and his comments are hilarious (calling the exaggerated hips on Haven's coat reminiscent of the Seattle Space Needle is classic Isaac) but we all watch reality competition for the hilarity of the personalities, the drama and the sheer talent on display.

Who will win is really anyone's guess at this point (my money is on James-Paul) but if you make these shows work for you, you can actually walk away a more savvy fashionista. That being said, I'll keep you posted moving forward but overall I'm in. I will be showing up weekly for The Fashion Show.

Editor’s Lust List: Gossip Girl Edition – Serena’s Marc Jacobs “Stam”

I admit that I’m just as obsessed with Gossip Girl as the next person and I tune in diligently every Monday night to watch oversexed high school students deliver razor-sharp dialogue in drop-dead gorgeous couture. I read an interview a while ago where the show’s Costume Designer, Eric Daman, compared the styles of the two lead characters by saying that Blair (Leighton Meester) is American Vogue and Serena (Blake Lively) is French Vogue. Interesting thing to keep in mind while you watch the show, isn’t it?



I’m usually slightly obsessed with Serena’s wardrobe but this past week it became full-on envy as I realized she was carrying my current dream bag, the Marc Jacobs Jeweled Stam Satchel ($2350) in the final scenes of the episode. I spotted my first Stam in the window of the Marc Jacobs store weeks ago and haven’t been able to get the item out of my head. I haven’t exactly figured out how I will go about getting one of these gorgeous bags but have no fear: I will have it.

I believe in saving your pennies for a rainy day and in this economy who can afford not to do such a thing? But we’re all allowed to dream and right now my sweetest dreams include this most gorgeous Marc Jacobs bag.