Countdown to Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week: Tracy Reese Inspiration

We've seen celebrated designer Tracy Reese offer everything from punk-rock princess with her Fall 2010 collection to 70's laidback luxe with her Spring 2011 collection, all to critical acclaim. For Fall 2011, she returns to her ladylike roots with graphic and floral prints. What's new? She introduces new structured silhouettes in neutral, understated tones characterized by pops of metallic and rich color. Take a look at her inspiration sketch above and a quote below.

Tracy Reese

 

“Fall 2011 unfolds in rich hues, sculptural shapes and interesting textural combinations.  Each look has some point of brilliance – a shot of metallic, antique copper and silver, or a vibrant pop of raspberry, aqua or amber – breathing new life into muted neutral tones of toffee, black, brown and gray. Tactile pairings and more voluminous silhouettes enhance 3-dimensionality; a scarf-cape is paired with a pleated maxi skirt in rich curry, with a jade clutch for a color burst. Graphic and floral prints remain strong for the season, adding a spark of individuality to fall ensembles,” says designer Tracy Reese. 

What do you think about Tracy Reese's latest direction? Are you excited to see her collection?

Kisses,

Coutura

GET THE LOOK (Spring 2011 Fashion Week Edition): Tracy Reese

Hey Glamazons! On Monday, I finally had the chance to meet the glamazing makeup artist Mally Roncal..and boy is she awesome! As the lead makeup artist for the Tracy Reese show, she was responsible for creating this gorge 1970's inspired beauty look for the models. Here's how it looked coming down the runway. Isn't it beautiful?!

All I could think about while watching her apply the makeup (while getting these great tips for you, of course) is that it would be the perfect look to wear while laying out on my rich boyfriend's yacht. I totally don't have a rich boyfriend (yet) but I've filed this beauty look away in my brain as one I need to emulate for the precise moment that this happens in life.

So, here's how you can get the look at home (using Mally's signature line of beauty products, of course):

FACE

"The skin is sunkissed and glowing. It's like a little bit of that 70's healthy glow. Go ahead and highlight those cheekbones! We are embracing the warmth of the skin." - Mally

-Foundation: Visible Skin

-Bronzer: Apply Bronze Genius all over, but keep the center of the face light. Keep it natural.

-Highlighter: Apply Finish Line Luminizer softly under the brow bone and work the cheek bone.

-Blush: Mally created this super top secret shade of blush specially for Tracy Reese's show! I'll share the deets on this one as soon as I find out more on it!

EYES

"The eye is encompassed with a shimmering brown all around. The lashes are curled but the concentration of the mascara is as the base of the lash therefore leaving the tips of the lashes fluffy. The inner corners have a little bit of a champagne shade. The brows are a bit finer (like yours!) but defined." - Mally

-Apply Evercolor Shadow Stick in Bronze on the center of the lid up to the crease to add a bit of sparkle when you blink.

-Apply Evercolor Shadow Stick in Champagne on the inner corner of the eye.

-Apply Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Liner in Lucky Penny on the outer part of the top lid.

-For lashes, apply two coats of Mally's Volumizing Mascara concentrating on the base of the lash while keeping the lash tips feathery and light.

-To define brows, use the Brow Beauty Brow Pencil.

LIPS

"For cheeks and lips, the story is that peach is the new pink." - Mally

- Mally created a sharp line using a liner brush to apply the gloss, no lip liner. She also created another super secret lip shade especially for the Tracy Reese show that I also have to get the scoop on! She topped the lip color with a coat of clear gloss.

And there you have it! Although most of these products aren't available for purchase just yet, you can use existing products in the line (like these below) to get the look!:

More Mally Beauty...

And here's one last shot from the show of Mally and Tracy that makes me smile every time I see it! Don't you just love how happy they both look in it?!

xo

Ferocia

*Getty Images

Fashion Week: Tracy Reese Gets Edgy for Fall 2010

It's official. The Tracy Reese uptown lady has left the tea party and headed to the gritty downtown streets. The designer, whose line is synonymous with all things airy, elegant and dainty, has a new daring attitude for the Fall 2010 season.


The dark turn, which incorporated touches of black lace and dark shades, did nothing to take away from Tracy's ubergirlie style. Instead, downtown girl edge was weaved effortessly into her posh and prim aesthetic, most brilliantly in a pink tulle A-line dress paired with black lace tights, a black statement necklace and booties by Highline United for Tracy Reese.


Though silhouettes were a little more form-fitting than previous seasons, pieces like a sky blue printed dress and a pink cardigan with sparkling embellishments were still quintessential Tracy. Texture and print was a prominent theme with plaids, jacquard, fur trim and tweed jackets taking centerstage. Reese also gave the fashionista plenty of ways to stay warm this Fall: black leg warmers, fingerless opera length gloves, chunky scarfs and cozy cowls.

At the show, models like Georgie Badiel and Gracie Carvalho stormed the catwalk to One Way's "Cutie Pie" with plenty of sass to match the tough luxe fashions. The beauty looks were equally edgy: wild, curly ponytails, smoky eyes and lace fingernails! Tracy Reese tweeted that the nails weren't Minx, but rather lace overlay on top of polish. I LIVE for them.

The crowd, including Julia Stiles, Kristen Bell, Adrienne Bailon and Michelle Williams (who looked gorg in a Tracy Reese trench, floral dress and leather gloves), erupted in applause when Tracy took to the runway at the finale.

Tracy did the impossible with this latest collection: she made being a girly girl cool again. I, obviously, am obsessed with the look! Check out the pics below and let me know what you think of the new bad-ass Fall 2010 collection. Should Tracy stick to pretty and posh? Is the new edgy direction a breath of fresh air? Discuss.


Kisses,


Coutura

Fashion Week: Heart Truth with Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush!

Hey Glamazons!

After the Ports 1961 show, I took a much-needed break to eat, recharge and get ready for one of the most fabulous, fun shows of the season: Heart Truth Red Dress Collection.

The runway was adorable: glittery chandeliers hung above it and at the end, there was a set fit for a candy striper. Too cute for words!

My fabulous friend, Sandrine (check out her blog, La Dolce Vita, and upcoming blog, Date City) and I managed to get into the second row! Here's a camera phone pic of us before the show. Loves it!

Before the show started, Superbowl winner (Who Dat!), Saints running back, Reggie Bush, tried to slip quietly in his front row seat. Little did he know, one row behind him sat the girl who's been harboring a secret crush on him (it's the dimples) for years...yours truly. I walked up to him to get a picture (strictly for blog purposes, wink) and he was super sweet about it. Yum.

Okay, so I had to acknowledge his fineness though I know he was there to support his girlfriend Kim Kardashian (whose crazy family I watch every Sunday so no shade at all to her, happy for them, I swear!).

Though Reggie caused a mini commotion (someone behind me asked, is that 50 Cent?), once the show started, all eyes were on the beautiful celebs.

Here's the rundown of designers/stars plus pics!

A pregnant Bethenny Frankel was charming in Isabella Oliver. The entire time she was holding her stomach and smiling from ear-to-ear in a ruched strapless dress.

Felicity Huffman came out to applause in Oscar de la Renta. She looked stunning and stopped to hug her husband.

Estelle was gorgeous in an elaborate Zac Posen gown. She broke into a rockstar pose at the end of the runway. So fun!

Joan Collins walked out in Stephanie Rolland. The crowd erupted in applause and everyone was trying to snap a picture.

I just love Jordin Sparks' energy! She showed off a new svelte bod in a form-fitting Badgley Mischka number.

Kim Kardashian wowed in a Marchesa gown that highlighted her famous curves. Her make-up and hair was elegant and refined. She stopped to blow a kiss to boyfriend Reggie in the front row. So cute!

Kimora Lee made an appearance wearing a short, sequin dress from her new line, Kouture by Kimora. Yes, it's spelled with a K. She looked beautiful and stylish, as always. (Sidenote: I was surprised to see her since rumor has it that Baby Phat isn't showing this season?! Somebody explain).

Raven-Symone hit the runway in Tadashi Shoji---and can I say she was super-fierce? She even kicked her shoes off before walking backstage! Don't hurt nobody (No seriously, that could've flew into someone's face).

One of my personal favorites was Regina King, who sauntered down the runway in a curve-hugging dress from Tracy Reese (she's in amazing shape) to Alicia Keys' "Put it in a Love Song." I love that when the music suddenly stopped, she paused, broke into a pose and kept moving once it played again without missing a beat. Now that's fierce!

Robin Roberts walked out to applause in a one-shoulder J.Crew Collection dress that showed off her toned shoulders and arms. She's such a strong figure, battling breast cancer and covering hard news like the earthquake in Haiti, without losing her fun, cheery disposition. Everyone was inspired by her and cheered her on down the runway.

Can we stop pretending Heidi Klum is a human like the rest of us? She came out looking impossibly gorgeous in a John Galliano gown and sleek blonde hair. She's all the more striking in person.

All the ladies walked out under red heart confetti at the end, danced and posed for a picture under the Heart Truth banner.

All in all, it was a superfun show for a better cause: spreading awareness about heart disease. Visit http://www.hearttruth.gov/ for resources about the disease and what you can do to help.

The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection show always lifts my spirits and was a great way to end a sad day in Fashion. Oh and as if the show wasn't entertaining enough on its own, I saw my girlfriend in my head, Wendy Williams, and ran into the hilarious Robert Verdi (pictured below with the amazing Elaine) and Micah Jesse (check out his blog, he cracks me up!) after the show. Fun times!

Now off to bed for a full day of shows tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Kisses,

Coutura

Pictures: Style.com. Ybf.com. Instyle.com.

Countdown to New York Fashion Week: Sneak Peek at Tracy Reese Fall 2010

When I think of a collection by designer, Tracy Reese, visions of beautiful A-line dresses with dainty embellishments and perfect tailoring float through my mind. But the designer, who I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with (she's a sweetheart!), is channeling a rural vibe this season. Yes, I said rural.

Glamazons, get ready for a collection of checks, fur, stretch suede and sweater---softened by lingerie. Interesting. Can't wait to see what the line looks like. Glamazons, what do you think of this new direction?

Judging from the sketch, the line will still be sophisticated and feminine but a little more lavish than what we've previously seen. I love the figure-flattering wrap blouse and the luxurious feel of that cropped fur coat. Also, I see slim pants are here to stay. (I say that with a smile).

Check out the sketch and a quote from the designer herself below---and also images from her Spring 2010 collection, which was truly vibrant, ladylike and magical. Kelly Rowland, Keri Hilson, Kim Kardashian and Ciara were only a few of the celebrities who came out to support last season. 

“An eclectic mix of urban and rural style makes for a very modern yet infinitely wearable fall 2010 collection. Rustic Prince of Wales checks, distressed faux fur and stretch suede styles are softened by cosmetic toned lingerie and made cozy by soft alpaca sweaters.” –Tracy Reese, Designer

Kisses,

Coutura

Helping Haiti: Tracy Reese and MAC Give Back

Hey Glamazons,

In the wake of this tragedy, it's so beautiful to see people coming together to help those suffering in Haiti.

Last night we learned that the MAC Aids Fund is donating $500,000 to relief in Haiti. Nancy Mahon, the Executive Director of the MAC Aids Fund, had this to say about their significant contribution via the Huffington Post:

At the MAC AIDS Fund, the foundation I oversee, we have spoken to the organizations that we fund in Haiti over the past several days and have decided to give $500,000 to those groups - the Clinton Foundation, Partners in Health, and GHEISKO - for their disaster relief work because we know them and we are familiar with their high quality work.

The organizations are all are working to deliver emergency medical care, food and supplies to countless victims. They are organizing logistics to get the medical staff and supplies needed for setting up field hospital sites in Port-au-Prince, where they can triage patients, provide emergency care, and send those who need surgery or more complex treatment to hospitals and surgical facilities in the Central Plateau and Artibonite regions of Haiti. They are also arranging for private planes of medical supplies, tents, blankets, water and other essential items, as well as experienced medical volunteers, to be brought into Port-au-Prince and the Dominican Republic in the next several days.

One of my favorite designers, Tracy Reese, is also doing her part to help quake-ravaged Haiti by donating 10% of this weekend's sales (January 15th and 16th) from the Tracy Reese boutique (641 Hudson St.) to the American Red Cross. Here's the email she sent out below:

Dear Friend,

Like everyone else who has witnessed images of the terrible tragedy caused by the horrific earthquake that has devastated Haiti since Tuesday evening, we feel overwhelmed. The images that flash on the TV networks, the internet, and the social networks portray a tsunami like loss of life, critical injuries, uprooting, suffering and pain. It is impossible for us to even imagine the scope of this devastating catastrophe.

And yet we are deeply touched and moved by the Human Response to this crisis. The world has mobilized and governments all over the world are rushing aid and specialists to help Haiti cope with the disaster. All of us at Tracy Reese are inspired to do our little bit and contribute to this cause. In addition to the personal contribution my colleagues and I will make, we will donate 10% of all our proceeds from our store during this weekend (January 15^th and 16^th) to the American Red Cross to support the admirable work they are doing to help Haiti cope with this difficult time.

We invite you to join us in supporting the relief efforts in Haiti. You can make a contribution by check to The American Red Cross, and we will ensure that these are passed on to The Red Cross. In addition you can make a direct donation on the Red Cross website: http://www.redcross.org/

Thank you,

Tracy Reese

It is truly touching to see big name beauty companies and designers get involved. But every contribution and effort is needed to bring relief to a country shattered by an epic natural disaster.

Click here for my article listing other charities you can donate to.

Click here for a list of restaurants donating to Haiti in NYC.

If you have a legit charity not listed or know of a clothing drive etc. that people can be involved in, please share in the comment section of this post.

Keep Haiti in your prayers,

The Glamazons

Fashion Scoop: Obamarama!!

It's everywhere you turn. On bumper stickers, scrawled across trucker hats, in commercials during a television show, staring from the cover of your favorite magazine. All with one resounding message: Obama fever is sweeping our nation. 

Not since JFK has a political figure been so revered and loved by (most of) the American public. And fashion, ever a source of expression, is showing symptoms as well.

The ubiquitous Obama tee can be seen on everyone from trendy hipsters in France to the glamourous Halle and Beyonce strolling the streets of NY...

Other expressions are a bit more...unfortunate...

I'm mad you have a suit on with that foolishness. Somebody get his mother on the phone...


And whose Uncle came up with the Obama dance?





Wow. That's a burning hot mess if I ever saw one. I mean, I'm glad you all care about politics...and maybe, just maybe, the negrodian nonsense will inspire someone to vote. But you have to wonder, especially in light of the Paris Hilton comparisons, is it hurting or helping his campaign?


Several designers, from Tracy Reese to Jay-Z, believe their products are the kind that help. The fashion industry's biggest names have lent their talents to designing Obama/Biden's official paraphernalia. And the proceeds from the designs, which range from t-shirts to tote bags, will go toward putting Obama in the White House.


A couple of my favorites:


Juicy Couture





Russell Simmons





Vera Wang

Tracy Reese

Pharell





Jay-Z





House of Dereon





Zac Posen





Charles Nolan





Rachel Roy





DVF





Marc Jacobs





Yeah, I pretty much love them all. And now for the prices...s/s tees, $60, l/s tees, $70, sweater, $70, bags, $75, scarf, $95. Expensive I know but change is priceless. All available at www.runwaytochange.com.


So in the words of my friend Melle, "if you've been kinda meaning to donate," all summer, here's your chance! And you can get an amazing Marc Jacobs bag too.


Kisses,


Coutura


P.S. They don't allow paraphernalia at the voting booths so remember to leave your Obama tee at home on election day.