Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 74

March 15, 2016

Decléor USA Launches New Hydra Floral Beauty Line

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As a true botanical beauty powerhouse brand, Decléor, brings customers what they want before they even realize it’s what they desire in a skincare company. Decléor recently hosted a breakfast at the stunning Garden Terrace of the Gramercy Park Hotel to aptly reveal the two new products in its Hydra Floral Collection. A Parisian-inspired breakfast accompanied the French brand’s new launch introductions,  learning more about the Decléor portfolio and all that ties into its unique philosophy that focuses on the mantra of #skinbodymind. The brand’s new ambassador, legendary facialist Mzia Shiman, was the guest of honor and helped to reveal the wonderful new products.

Decléor’s two new products not only smell great with incredible efficacy, but also protect the skin from pollution. Described as one of the world’s biggest environmental health risks, pollution has been proven that daily exposure to various types of impurities and toxins prompts premature aging, skin damage, and clogged pores. The Anti-Pollution Hydrating Gel-Cream ($67) and Anti-Pollution Hydrating Active Lotion ($48), targets and shields the effects of pollution on the skin and offers 24 Hour Hydration. Fresh and light like a dew, these brand new additions leave skin perfectly comfortable, with a beautiful texture and radiant glow.  With its cutting edge approach to skincare and the constant innovations in plant science, Décleor is definitely a brand to look out for! The Anti-Pollution Hydrating Gel-Cream ($67) and Anti-Pollution Hydrating Active Lotion are available now at   DecleorUSA.com.

March 14, 2016

What I Wore: NYFW Look 4

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While I’m traveling in Japan this week and next, I wanted to provide some content and personal style without letting too much time lapse on the blog while away. It doesn’t get much more exciting than what I wore to New York Fashion Week, so I thought I’d exploit the few remaining looks I’ve yet to post, so you can feast your eyes on my most cherished fashion and accessories items. By this point in time, fashion week has literally made its way around the world, and the fall/winter collections are almost a wrap. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo still remains, and I’m about to embark upon it this week while in Japan. I always wonder how people pack and prepare to attend fashion week who don’t live in the host city, and now it’s my turn to be one of those people, trying to carefully plot it out in advance.

True, I do plan a bit in advance for what I will wear in New York, but I also pull a wide section of about a dozen extra pieces and set them aside in case the mood strikes me to wear one, or a couple of them, instead. As we embark upon a six-city tour, keeping my wardrobe at a minimum is essential, so that my back, shoulders, and neck remain in tact, which proves an extra challenge when attending one of the most glamorous events  one can possibly fathom. Stay tuned in the comign weeks for how I dress for my big trip to Japan, and to fashion week (hint: I get a lot of help from my friends at Athleta!).
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In This Look:

Banana Republic Black Leather Skirt

nicole by Nicole Miller Print Sleeve Sweatshirt

Gap Moto Jacket (no longer available; see similar here)

Hanes Black Opaque Tights (c/o)

ShoeDazzle Suede Lace Up Chunky Heels (c/o; no longer available, see similar here)

Baume & Mercier Linea Collection Watch (c/o)

Sorrelli Hoop Earrings, Rings, and Bracelets (c/o)

Ray-Ban Wayfarers (gift)

March 11, 2016

Fashion Pulse Flash: Saks OFF FIFTH, evo, T.J.Maxx, Garnier Fructis

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[Images courtesy of Saks OFF 5TH]

A Saks OFF 5TH location JUST opened up dangerously close to home…and I love it! Last week the best friend and I stopped by the space formerly used by legendary (and no longer) discounter Daffy’s, a subterranean cove revamped and stocked with luxury merchandise, ranging from gorgeous Alexis Bittar baubles to Hermès leather handbags, DVF silk dresses, and Versace sneakers.  The shoe section was to-die-for, and the men’s assortment had great depth and breadth to it, along with being beyond well-organized. Of course the merchandise mix will always change, but now you can look forward to the special feature of Saks OFF 5TH locations offering a Gilt.com shop-in-shop,  which will feature a weekly in-store flash sale every Wednesday at 12pm, EST. Plus, Saks OFF 5TH will accept Gilt returns in exchange for Saks OFF 5TH merchandise credit. I love the merging of an online favorite with a tremendous brick-and-mortar, on-brand, collab! If you’re in the area, stop by the store to experience the joy of discovering a coveted brand at a discounted price!

Saks OFF 5TH, 57th  is located at 125 East 57th Street, between Lexington and Park Avenues in New York City; see website for store hours.

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March 8, 2016

Defining the Art of a Quality Nail Treatment: Van Court Studio

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[The pedicure area at Van Court Studio]

Sometimes you don’t realize how much you’ve been settling for, until something much better comes along. Van Court Studio, which opened in the Financial District this past week, resets expectations by offering waterless manicures, providing five and even nine-free polishes, creating natural scrubs in-house, all set in an intimate, comfortable jewel box of a space with exposed brick walls and hip yet minimalist décor.  The nail technicians I came across on a recent visit to Van Court are also among the shining stars of the industry; I recognized a few faces from top tier salons in the city and other beauty events along with backstage at fashion week performing  manicures and pedicures.

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[Homemade scrubs and Himalayan sea salt greet your tired feet]

If it appears that a lot of thought has been put into this particular nail spot, you’re correct; founder Ruth Kallens and creative director Jessica Washick are both beauty industry vets that strive to execute healthy, sanitary, and fair practices in their new space, which means nail techs are compensated as they should be, and skin and nails are treated with only, natural, high-quality products and ingredients. You can certainly have nail art done (currently, there are 16 designs to choose from), but you won’t find LED lamps to cure gel polish with here. Hands remain soak-free prior to the service in order to combat bacteria which can foster when hands are soaked, as well as boosting the efficacy of polish on a hard, rather than soft, nail bed.

I was exposed instead to an array of brands not usually seen in a nail salon and some never even heard of; I settled on a gorgeous bottle of LVX nail lacquer in “jade” for my toes, a vegan polish that is “seven free,” meaning free of the seven most common toxic and harsh chemicals found in nail polish. I also loved that my experience was leisurely; I had a great conversation with my nail tech during the service, and was encouraged to hang out until my nails wear dry to my liking. The menu provides some specialized services, like strengthening treatments and extended massages, while the environment is welcoming to guys with a Gentleman’s Pedicure service and kids via a nail clean up and pedicure (This Little Piggy).  And just in case you need one more reason to visit Van Court Studio, here’s one: Ruth is a friend and I’m POSITIVE you will love it there!

Van Court Studio is located at 90 Water Street; hours vary by day, and appointments can be conveniently booked online.

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