Good Morning, Monday + Lash Out

If you are just tuning into my blog, PLEASE skip to the best parts.  

Read my interview with one of Michelle Obama's favorite designers, Maria Cornejo. Her designs are so colorful, so chic, so fresh and so new. Also, check out my video chat with designer Richard Chai and my skincare recommendations for Twitter guru Jack Dorsey (yup, I met him last week too). XOX + I am everywhere + hearts to my readers.

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All Eyes On You

Not sure what to wear when you wink? I finally tried out the Armani "Eyes to Kill mascara ($30) that I nabbed at a chic blogger party at Barneys way back when. One word for the effect: lush.

The Armani mascara creates thick, perfectly separated and glossy eyelashes that pop in just one or two quick sweeps. This week, I probably will just wear it indoors and inside my apartment because I already have too, too...many...admirers. (This is kind of a weird coincidence, but yeah it's hard being moi. Sigh.)

XOXO,
Charlotte

Richard Chai Opens Up at Fashion Girls for Japan Charity Sale

Designer Richard Chai, who donated many of his pieces to the Fashion Girls for Japan sample sale, talks about issues in Japan and what inspires his work. He also shows Eyeshadow Government what's hiding under his sweatshirt. Ooh la la!

Yesterday, fashionistas were giving back by shopping like miniature, mad Garance Dorés at the Fashion Girls for Japan sample sale at the Bowery Hotel in New York, but there's even more good news. The sale continues today. The line to enter the event swept around the corner with chic gals clad in tall black riding boots, loop-knit Alexander Wang sweaters and cat-eye sunglasses aplenty. Some were getting one last shot at wearing those Rachel Zoe-esque fur vests (that may or may not last one more season, if you know what I mean).

Upstairs, "wow" or drooling were totally logical reactions to the array of magical designs for sale. Hip designer John Patrick was cooing over the Jil Sander section, ummm, as was I. Temptation! There are still plenty of incredible items to be scored today. See you there!

Also, it was great to meet Richard again. The last time I saw him, he was playing ping pong at Barneys and losing terribly (he still blushes about it).

Website: Fashion Girls for Japan

EXCLUSIVE: Maria Cornejo Talks Fashion and Beauty at Japan Fundraiser

I have returned from a splendid afternoon at the Fashion Girls for Japan charity sample sale at the Bowery Hotel. One of Michelle Obama's favorite designers Maria Cornejo was in the house. Girls stripped in the corner and all over. Julie Gilhart (y'all know Julie, right?) caught a chill and tossed on a Bess black jacket with awesome metal spikes. Everyone who was anybody was there.

It was wonderful to meet the famous designer Maria Cornejo. Her powerful imagination and vivid use of color makes her clothing quite alluring. The First Lady wears her designs frequently, and you can spot her dresses in all the top fashion magazines.

Her style advice: "Just find what suits you and have fun. Fashion is supposed to make you feel good."

As for makeup and skincare products, Maria Cornejo wears a lot of Shiseido products. She uses a Shiseido cream "in the black jar," which is probably one of the Future Solution Total Revitalizing creams. She's friendly with Shiseido's creative director Dick Page and so she also receives "dozens of lipsticks" from the brand.

Cornejo, who I might add is gorgeous in person, also shared that she fancies the Avalon Organics CoQ10 line.

The Fashion Girls for Japan event, a benefit for victims of the Japan's earthquake and tsunami, was near and dear to the designer.

"I have a lot of Japanese friends in the fashion business," said Cornejo. "My husband travels to Japan frequently."

"I'm Chilean and I grew up in a country where there are earthquakes, and it makes you feel so helpless and vulnerable. In this case, it was not only an earthquake, but a nuclear threat."

Having just returned from Paris two weeks ago, Cornejo said she is relieved to get back to work.  She said her schedule has "slowed down a tiny bit, now that there are no shows." Lately, she has been busy picking out fabrics and colors for her clothing line.

For a designer who has catapulted to fame because of Michelle Obama, Maria Cornejo is still refreshingly grounded.  She will send batches of her clothing to Michelle Obama, and she said, "I never know if she will take five or 20 items."

Also, Cornejo added that she never knows what day the First Lady will step out in one of her pieces. "I am always pleasantly surprised to see her wearing my clothes," she said.

Cut Loose

I mixed together some blazin' designer fashions and beauty items for you to play with...just for fun.

You can assemble your own outfit based on my picks. I can't wait to be drenched in color.

Be There: Fashion Girls for Japan Two-Day Sample Sale Helps Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami Victims

Do good, shop and scope out the scene.

THE BOWERY TERRACE AT THE BOWERY HOTEL 335 BOWERY NEW YORK SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 11AM – 7PM SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 11AM – 5PM

$5 MINIMUM DONATION FOR ADMISSION BUY TICKETS ONLINE AT www.fashiongirlsforjapan.com






 60+ DESIGNERS/60+ ROLLING RACKS

A SPECIAL TWO-DAY DESIGNER SAMPLE SALE TO BENEFIT JAPAN SOCIETY’S JAPAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND, THE RED CROSS, AND THE NYC’S JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI FUND. 100% of proceeds from the sales will go towards the relief efforts.

Designers Alexander Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, VPL, Zero Maria Cornejo and many others have pledged to donate one rolling rack of their clothing for this charity event. All items will be offered at 50% or more off the retail price.

Once again...the event takes place at THE BOWERY TERRACE AT THE BOWERY HOTEL 335 BOWERY NEW YORK SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 11AM – 7PM SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 11AM – 5PM

$5 MINIMUM DONATION FOR ADMISSION BUY TICKETS ONLINE AT www.fashiongirlsforjapan.com

Reading Rainbow: Tavi, Apple + MAC Sitting in a Tree, Hexa by Kuho...

Will Tavi the Style Rookie become the Style Pro or is this just an adorabs April Fool's joke? Check it.

Apple and MAC Team Up for MAC² Makeup  on BellaSugar. Brilliant news of course, but also one way to confuse search engine results.

Hexa by Kuho's Three Dimensional Fashion at JC Report. Mega-stylish looks.

Fashion's Tumblr Takeover at JC REPORT. True.

The New York Times reports on star beauty ingredient Argan oil everything and everywhere.

Vichy Normaderm Triple Action Anti-Acne Hydrating Lotion Review

I love starting the day off with good news. This lotion is the bomb.

As you know, I am mega-skeptical and extremely picky, but I was given a sample of this anti-acne lotion yesterday and although I am too old to feel awkward about having a few spots (and yet I still do)...I just needed to tell you how good this product is.

What does it take for a product to impress moi?  Well, instant results.

Last night, I put the Vichy Normaderm Anti-Acne lotion on my face and immediately, I could see and feel that my pores were tighter. Then, within hours, my skintone was less red, but also b) the spots I had around shrunk and appeared lighter in color or c) vanished.  Talk about a quick getaway!

The lotion contains the ingredients salicylic acid and glycolic acid to fight acne, and moisturizes the skin without clogging it. Love it!

Also, I was surprised by the low price tag, about $22.50. I imagined it cost at least $30 or $35. If you have trouble controlling breakouts, definitely give this a try.