Don't Rain on My Parade

No matter how many years go by, no matter that I now live on the other coast, nothing says 'holiday season" to me quite like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.  All the floats, those amazing balloons, the kids on their dads' shoulders -- it all brings out the "Norman Rockwell" side of me.  Pure Americana with a little bit of corn mixed in.  So while I'm working on this year's Thanksgiving meal, you know I'll have the TV tuned in.  After all, you can take the girl out of New York, but you can't take the parade out of the girl.

Pedi on the Run

Airline restrictions being what they are means sometimes sacrificing your favorite beauty products because of size.  But now you can take petite-size pedi products along on your vacay without blowing your beauty bag's weight budget.  OPI's Summer Pedicure Special and OPI Goes Toes promo packs are filled with mini sizes of some of our pedicure faves.  The Special holds minis of Pedicure by OPI MASSAGE moisturizing skin massage lotion with botanical extracts; SOFTEN callus softener with green tea extract; and SMOOTH skin smoother with avocado lipid complex.  Plus Start-to-Finish 3-in-1 base coat, top coat, and nail strengthener; a mini Expert Touch Lacquer Remover; Nail Wipes; and Toe Separators!  All in a cute little see-thru pouch.  OPI Goes Toes holds minis of Mani/Pedi by OPI MASSAGE in Tropical Citrus, Cucumber, Papaya Pineapple, and White Tea flavors, for soft, silky feet.  Also in a sweet little pedi-perfect pouch.  Travel on.

I ♥ NY

Just got back from New York City, where I did a whirlwind tour of beauty editors, giving them the inside scoop on the latest to come from OPI.  And while I was there, I couldn't help but notice the styles on women here -- arguably some of the best-dressed fashionistas in the world.  New York is a city where black is the dominant shade in almost every woman's closet; this season, I'm seeing black set off with splashes of bold color -- in a scarf, a bag, tights, jewelry.  Also big in the Big Apple -- classic, belted coats; menswear trousers; pencil skirts; buckles on boots; studded biker jackets; beaded clutches; classic black pumps.  And on nails -- everything from darks to brights.  Some editor faves -- Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees (rich charcoal blue), Here Today ... Aragon Tomorrow (darkest emerald), and Manicurist of Seville (this season's passionate red), all from Coleccion de Espana by OPI.  Also hot:  Russian Navy Matte (deepest indigo) and You Don't Know Jacques! Suede (chic taupe), with finishes that perfectly accessorize fall's fabrics.  Try it all on at opi.com. 

My Excellent European Adventure

   

Late last spring, I visited European fashion capitals in a whirlwind press tour promoting the much-anticipated Colección de España -- OPI's Fall/Winter 09 Collection of 12 gorgeous new Nail Lacquers, just released this week. 

To introduce this palette of rich, dramatic shades to the European audience, I met with fashion and beauty editors in Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, and London. The editors were all treated to OPI manicures in these new shades, and I had the opportunity for lots of interviews.

My Reign in Spain  

In Madrid, I visited the Thyssen-Bonemisza Museum which features an exceptional art collection from the 13th - 20th centuries -- and where I found the colors absolutely inspiring.  Our press lunch and presentation included more than 80 beauty editors from all over Europe.

J'aime Paris in the Springtime  The highlight of my visit to the City of Lights – aside from the shopping! – was a press event held at the chic, critically acclaimed Carré des Feuillants restaurante (don't miss it if you're in Paris -- www.carredesfeuillants.fr) adjacent to the Jardin des Tuileries and near the Place Vendôme.  Chef Alain Dutournier truly outdid himself with the amazing cuisine and its presentation, and more than 100 French beauty editors joined us.

Greetings from Amsterdam  My stop in so-charming Amsterdam included a beautiful press event held at The Dylan Hotel (www.dylanamsterdam.com).  This premiere, luxury boutique hotel is located in a 17th century landmark on the  “Keizersgracht”, one of the city's famed canals. More than 65 Dutch beauty editors attended the presentation. 

The Lady Loves London  Like a jewel in the crown, London’s famed Connaught Hotel (www.the-connaught.co.uk) gleamed for my elegant  press events. Ten editors were feted in a private dining room with a view of Buckingham Palace and tables adorned with red roses and silver candelabra.  Topping off the luncheon was a dessert created by the hotel exclusively for me and named for one of the shades in the Collection:  Ate Berries in the Canaries.  More than 30 guests attended, including the beauty editors of British Vogue and Scratch magazines.  

 

Twelve stunning colors.  Four fabulous cities.  One tired, but happy, Suzi.

Just That Into OPI

OPI Nail Lacquer rocks the big screen with the #1 date flick He's Just Not That Into You.  In a girl-bonding salon scene between Drew Barrymore (the hopeful romantic) and Scarlett Johansson (the bombshell), OPI bottles are plentiful.  Just goes to show that even when he's just not that into you, a manicure with your best girlfriend can make things better!

Autumn in New York

Late October found me in New York, much to my great joy, as there is nothing in my mind like autumn in The City.  I may have brought the chilly weather with me, as fall fashion settled into the city like so many leaves on the pavement. Coats, boots, scarves, and sweaters made their cold-weather appearance, and the city shed its last vestiges of summer for the energizing fall season.  Rich colors (plum and grey ruled the day), luscious knits (sweater coats and scarves), and marvelous leathers (bold, signature bags and high-heeled boots) were seen on women all over town.  If autumn belongs to any one city, my vote is New York.  Here's to the fall fashionistas.

  

Postcard from Paris, Part 2 -- Let's Dish

What would a trip to Paris be without delicious food -- and when it's combined with surroundings as artfully chic and imaginative as the menu, you don't want to miss it.  Le Music Hall, located by the Champs Elysees, is an extraordinary blend of cuisine and theater arts.  Created by stage producer Valerie Berovics and helmed in the kitchen by Chef Herve Nepple, the restaurant is one of the most trendy in Paris.  With 600 projectors spilling out millions of changing colors of light, all computer-programmed, the decor is brilliant and modern, and the atmosphere uniquely exciting.  Combine this with Chef Nepple's innovative, inspiring cuisine, and the result is an evening designed to entertain the senses.  (Tip: if it's too difficult to choose just one dessert, you might want to share L'Avalanche, a selection of the restaurant's sweets).  Bon appetit!

Postcard from Paris, Part 1 -- Luxury Awaits

All this talk about couture color and French fashion and style has me thinking about an autumn trip to the City of Lights.  Of course, there's the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Montmartre -- all picture-postcard-perfect and not to be missed, even if you've seen them before.  When it comes to accommodations, these are the cream of the crop -- the couture of hotels:

Cited as one of the world's finest hotels, the legendary Four Seasons Hotel Georges V is a haven of luxury.  Just steps from the Champs-Elysees, this landmark 5-star hotel was built in 1928, and offers the kind of impeccable attention to detail demanded by royalty -- and loved by those lucky enough to experience it.  With sumptuous furnishings, fresh flowers, even the scent of fine French perfume in the air, the Georges V is renowned for it exceptional service and surroundings.

The rooms at Hotel Sofitel Le Faubourg-Paris, centrally located in the city's fashion district (isn't that the entire city?), blend tradition with technology with a 4-star rating.  Situated in two magnificent residences, one from the 17th century and one from the 19th, this hotel also offers extraordinary dining in its acclaimed Cafe Faubourg and Bar30.  Maybe best of all, the Sofitel is close to Paris' most exclusive shops on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, including Christian Dior, Gaultier, Versace, Lanvin, Guy Laroche, Hermes, Givenchy, and Yves St. Laurent. Could I be any more excited?

I think I'll go with We'll Always Have Paris from La Collection de France by OPI for my nails -- and leave plenty of room in my suitcase for shopping! 

The 411 on 3-1-1

If you've flown at all this year, you're more than familiar with the airline security "3-1-1" rule concerning liquids, lotions, toothpaste, etc.  Each passenger is allowed to carry on one 1-quart plastic zip bag holding containers of these items that are only 3 fl. oz. each.  Anything larger needs to be packed in checked baggage.  But for those of us who like to travel light, carry-on baggage is the way to go.  Visit your favorite chain store to find mini sizes of shampoo, toothpaste, body lotion, and more.  Some of my favorite mini takealongs are Avojuice Skin Quenchers Lotions; tiny OPI Nail Lacquers (check out Tiny Treasures from the Russian Collection -- 3 baby bottles of the season's hottest Nail Lacquer shades plus a mini RapiDry Top Coat); and a small-size Manicure by OPI Rejuvenating Serum, developed to visibly reduce the signs of aging in hands.  All these products are available in containers that are 1 fl. oz. or less.  What about your favorite fragrance?  If it's not available in a small-enough-size bottle or even a body lotion, purchase a little atomizer (it's a spray container that you fill with fragrance using the tiny funnel that comes with it).  "Mini" happy travels!

Traveling Light

With Memorial Day here, summer is just around the corner, and for the lucky, that means travel.  If you're like me, you want to pack light (and if you're like me, you never seem to pack as light as you'd like to).  Airline carry-on regulations require small-size liquids, lotions, and gels (check with your airline for specific requirements), and even if you're not going by air, who wants to carry tons of beauty products -- it's a vacation!  Here are some of my favorite tips for traveling light without sacrificing anything beauty-wise.  1)  Choose multi-use products when possible, like a body wash/shampoo or a body wash/body moisturizer.  In make-up, there are several great three-in-one products out there, that let you apply color to eyelids, cheeks, and lips.  And tinted moisturizers let you leave foundation back home.  2)  Opt for low maintenance.  Leave the electric rollers at home!  Wash hair at night, twist into loose braids and head off to bed.  In the morning, wake up to sexy waves.  3)  For beautiful, easy-care nails, get a professional manicure before you go.  Choose a lighter shade on nails for the best wear (even if it chips, you won't see it).  OPI SoftShades Nail Lacquers offer an entire range of soft, sheer, flattering shades .  4)  You don't need three tubes of mascara on vacation (do you really need them at home?).  Trim down to one great mascara that leaves lashes long and full.  5)  One thing not to skimp on?  Sunscreen!  Bon voyage!