pop color.

fashion fusion static.

Commercials don't blatantly sell a product anymore (unless they're tacky late night infomercials). Ads have been an artistic form of persuasion, at times even more powerful without words. But in the past year, the fashion industry has infused the likes of television commercials giving them an artistic makeover that would make the "Heidi Klum of television programming" proud. For once, I get that excited feeling I get when I watch a movie at the matinee. My anticipation levels are at a high waiting to see what upcoming movie trailers will be played. And soon, I forget what movie I am even sitting in to watch. I hope I see more of these on television, for I may actually be excited when my program is interrupted.

Mercedes-Benz - "The Viano" -- I have been replaying this dreamy new ad from Mercedes for off-focus reasons. Not for the car, but for the calming vibe of the music and the signature simplified and classic looks seen on Olivia Palermo in this commercial. Even better? Seeing her sweet interaction with her long-time love, German model Johannes Huebl... These clips don't just portray love, you feel the love.

"Applause" -- One of my favorites of the series of Magnum Ice Cream short-film commercials directed by Chanel big boss, Karl Lagerfeld starring Rachel Bilson. Everything about this ad is classic Lagerfeld.

Ferragamo Resort 2012 Exclusive Dinner at Crown -- Stunning video.

Can you spot -- Scott Speedman, Rachel Roy, Emma Roberts, Ashley Greene, Theresa Palmer, Minka Kelly, Freida Pinto, Bianca Balti, Massimiliano Giornetti, Eva Mendes,Vanessa Traina, and Hilary Rhoda? Make sure you don't blink.

business and pleasure.

12 has a special meaning to me.

My sister approached me with an offer I could not refuse. A friend of hers developed a cosmetics line several years ago called, LASplash. The cosmetics line has been the best kept secret, used by multiple makeup artists for photoshoots from a variety of glossy magazine goodness. So when she asked me to join her in testing a bag full of goodies I jumped right at it. Over coffee of course...

Pistachio mousse. Now, down to business...

One word came to mind when we sorted through all the amazing products: eclectic. I abosolutely loved the jewel-esque colors from emerald greens, rich purples, soft pinks, glitzy blacks, and my favorite: glimmery gold. Sifting through the bag which included all sorts of eyeshadows, pigmented glitter pots, cream shadows, easy-glide pencil eyeliners, liquid eyeliners, and false lashes, I fell in love with the products' "consistency".

One thing I hate most is when eyeliner or eyeshadow starts to disappear mid-day or worse, mid-date. Next thing you know you scare yourself the moment you look in the mirror and do a double take at what you now see as, the Edward Scissorhands version of yourself. The only thought you're left with is: "How long have I been walking around with this freak show on my face for?"

Consistency is key. Typically what I find with eyeliners is they start fading or becoming moist due to the skin's oils. Creasing can still occur even with the best eyeshadow primer. Shockingly, this wasn't the case for LASplash's eye products. My face was frozen in awe when I tested the beautiful eyeshadows that were highly pigmented with no fallout. My favorite? The pigmented cream eyeshadow pot in "VIP" (gold). Already, I'm religiously using this and the moment it caught my eyes my hand wasn't willing to let go of it at the table.

I had so many liquid eyeliner options to choose from that I decided to test a day-and-night color: a shimmery onyx black and a fun color: a jewel plum eyeliner. The consistency of the formula was perfect, not too wet and not too dry that it becomes clumpy. Five hours later, the eyeliner still wouldn't budge even when I rubbed it with my finger. Awe-stricken I am.

skim.

 

The day's selection.

Operation "Surgical-Sequins-Procedure" on my sister's Christian Lacroix flats is in talk of being scheduled. Stat. Did not help that a man accidentally stepped on our patient and caused more sequin loss.

Stepped out early to wander about Pasadena with my sister, catching up with good conversion, good laughs and of course, over good coffee. Having recalled the coffee to be labeled "bland" in my past experience, I went the safer route and called it a double shot day. I was extremely excited to pay a visit to a store on Colorado that my sister always gushed about. Finally I had the time to swing on by and take a peek at the selection. One step into the store and it was clear to me that this is not just the doings of a buyer well familiar with the season's accent pieces, but the doings of a "selective buyer" who would rather opt out on a fabulous piece if the fit is not so fabulous. Sounds like my motto. This may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship...

eager beaver

Pre-Fall pieces have been creeping around stores all around and already, I am stocking up on fall pieces. Lucky for chilly L.A. nights, I can start putting my fall essentials to use rather than sadly watching my investments hang in my closet. Fall is my absolute favorite season to dress in, with the temperature gradually dropping, shorts and chunky knits are not so unreasonable. Versatility with layering and pairing can make dressing 10 times more creative and fun. My 2011 Fall Essentials: chunky knits, comfy leggings, rugged equestrian boots, cozy infinity scarves, pony hair accessories and footwear, and a blend of feminity and masculinity with pairings.

Lately, I have been obsessed with pairing gold and silver accessories together for a perfect mismatch.