LBS Backstage Beauty: Butter London for Libertine Fall 2013

For the Libertine Fall 2013 collection, Butter London lead artist Katie Hughes customized a special crystallized golden nail look. The vintage-like gold is new shade from Butter London that will be available this upcoming Summer 2013. Here's what she had to say about the look:

About the application: "You start off by inserting the toothpick in lip balm, then pre-glue the nail and just paste it right on. No particular pattern for the jewels, we just kept them heavily encrusted by the cuticle and brought it down from there," said Katie Hughes.

"Every single nail is different and unique, that’s the most important thing. The crystals are actually used in his clothes so he gave us three sheets of these stones to work with. I added a lot of Swarovski [crystals] so I could get that pop of sparkle so it’s really fun."

About the crystallized nail trend:

"I do think it’s going to be big this season. I always talk about the grown up nail art trend, and when I say grown-up nail art I mean half-moon manicures, graphic strips down the nail, color-blocking tips, etc. I think this is still within that because it’s an embellishment as opposed to smiley faces or crazy little things that a kid would do. I think this is still acceptable for grown-ups. Color-wise, embellishment is going to be heavily within that trend. There's alot of texture coming out in nail polish and it’s just going to a whole other place. You can really feel the glitter in a nail lacquer now. It’s all about texture."

About the nail color: "This color we custom created for the Libertine Fall 2013 collection. We already have a gold in the collection so we said ‘Can we make it more vintage-looking?’. More like jewelry you’d find at a market in the middle east or something - really, really gold. So I created it for him, for the show. It’s not out yet, but it should be out in May - during the next collection launch."

Would you try this nail trend at home?

LBS Backstage Beauty: TRESemme for Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2013

Rebecca Minkoff's Fall 2013 collection was marked by whimsical patterns and space-cadet-like shapes. To compliment the overall look of the collection, TRESemme lead hairstylist Jeanie Syfu gave models a sleek, structured look.

"We decided to take the hair a different direction from last season and have it really bold and strong. So we’re prepping the hair with the Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse ($4.99) and then we’re applying the Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray ($5.29) on the ends, blowing them out really straight with a boar bristle brush on high heat so it’s really sleek and polished..."

"Next, we’re putting in extensions from the nape so all the girls have a really strong wight line and it just has a bold, graphic shape."

"We’re flat-ironing the hair with a little hairspray so it’s really bone straight, combing through it right before they walk out, and we’re spraying the Smooth No-Frizz Shine Spray ($4.75) on the hair just so it stays really polished. Everyone is going to have a center part and we’re just teasing it really lightly."

 This hair look is fairly easy to create at home using TRESemme's extensive line, and few core tools like a great flat iron.

 See below for a anapshot of how to get the look with TRESemme:

For more looks straight from NYFW, keep checking LoveBrownSugar.com's Backstage Beauty page for more!

LBS Runway Report: Jason Wu Fall 2013

First Lady Michelle Obama is one of the most fashionable president’s wives ever. Like ever. She’s the style muse of thousands of sophisticated ladies, like our own Christina. But one of the hundreds of things I admire about FLOTUS is her power in the fashion world. She transforms designers into elite household names. Ask Jason Wu. After Michelle donned two elegant Wu originals for both inaugurations, he’s reached the upper echelon of American contemporary designers.

Wu used his Fall 2013 collection to prove why he’s on FLOTUS’ speed dial. His eye for fashion has matured this season. It is sexier and edgier than past collections, but his signature sleekness was also prevalent on his black-and-white, square catwalk. Geometrical designs, belted waistlines, square shoulders, a darker-hued palette … I’m in love. Wu’s collection, full of tailored pants that can easily transition from the office to a Thai dinner with the girls, is for the grown woman. 

From the red belted-trench with military-style buttons to a chiffon-pleated skirt paired with an edgy mini-leather jacket, Wu found his stride: Elegant women with a purpose. Wu’s collection is for the women like FLOTUS, professional and elegant, but also full of vibrant personality. I especially adore this chic black and white halter dress with leather shoulders and a chiffon bodice. Super sexy. I can see Michelle donning it to a dinner for a dignitary. 

The models embodied the feminine theme of this collection with their sleek ponytails and simply-beat faces. And the chandelier in the center of the runway was the perfect complement. 

We were hoping Michelle made an appearance in the front row, but she had First Lady duties to tend to. Unfortunately, none of our faves were in attendance, but regardless, Wu has earned his stripes with this collection.

What do you think of Jason Wu’s collection? 

- Evette Dionne

Photo credit: Style.com

LBS Runway Review: Nicole Miller Fall 2013

3 words: Black, Leather, Print. If fabulous and trendy had a baby, it would definitely be Nicole Miller's Fall 2013 line. Usually known for her bright colors and patterns, she took a different turn in keeping it fashionably tasteful without being redundant or cliche. Nicole Miller mixed in delightful prints from geo-printed dresses to embellished layered separates.

Right when we thought leather was making too much of an appearance, she reassured us that a little leather obsession never hurt, especially if used to complement statement pieces. Did you peep the furs? In the words of ThePlatform's fashion diva P'Trique, #TotesAmaze. 

Related: LBS Runway Report: Nicole Miller Spring 2013

Some of the celebs and fashion icons who graced the front row at the show included Nigel Barker, Eve, and Ashlee Simpson and Nichole Galacia.

What do we love about this collection? We love that everyday budgeting fashionistas like ourselves can easily derive inspiration from any of the pieces and pull together a Nicole-Miller-inspired outfit without burning holes through our pockets! We're already looking forward to fall fashion and it's not even summer yet. 

- Gracie J

Photo credit: Amy Sussman 

CharlotteObserver.com

LBS Runway Report: WHIT Fall 2013

Fashion Week officially began for LBS on Wednesday, February 6th as we were invited to attended Whitney Pozgay’s WHIT Fall 2013 Presentation at the W Hotel. As soon as I entered the room I could not stop my eyes from darting from model to model, imagining myself in each of the looks, from the pleated leather skirt to the leopard jumpsuit I wish I could pull off. (In my head I can pull it off, but reality prevails).

WHIT’s 2013 Fall collection was inspired by 60’s pop and rock icon Marianne Faithfull and I have to say I love the effortless, yet fabulous and fun vibe this collection achieved. The combination of clean shapes, paisley, stripes, and animal prints, leather, fur collars and muted metallics along with opulent shades of ruby, navy and forest green were a joy to see. Fall 2013 definitely won’t be drab with this collection in tow.

Apart from the beautiful display of WHIT’s Fall collection I was a huge fan of the hair and make-up look. The side-part with the waves partnered with the fresh face, rosy cheeks and pink tinted gloss added to the effortless yet fabulous vibe. Tres Chic darling!

-Kaila Baptiste 

Will you be rocking a WHIT-inspired look this Fall?

LBS Runway Report: Tadashi Shoji Fall 2013

New York Fashion Week is upon us again lovelies! Quick, huh? It seems like we were just recapping Spring/Summer collections last week. 

Anywhoo, pressure is always high on the first day of NYFW. The first designers set the bar for everyone that follows. Tadashi Shoji stepped up to the challenge and scorched it! Listen, Tadashi brought the heat – or rather the cold to this collection. The celeb fave channeled the elegance of Russian winter with killer gowns in heavier fabrics than we’re used to.

I’ve never read “Anna Karenina” and I haven’t watched the film. Historical period movies aren’t really my steelo. But after seeing pre-revolutionary Russia descend on Tadashi’s catwalk, I’m renting it from Redbox ASAP.

Three words: Tadashi killed it. His collection has a very wintery feel with the black, blood red and ivory palette and the use of heavy fabrics. If Dracula were real and he had a wife, she would be donning a Tadashi Shoji masterpiece. That’s how elegant and retro this collection is.

Octavia Spencer’s go-to designer used loose silhouettes and square shoulders to really capture the daintiness of women from the 1870s. There were gorge gowns flowing with feathers, sheer and lace, which is an odd combo. But the Japan-native nailed it.

I live for chic pink cape-style jacket with three-fourth sleeves. It screams Victorian-era class and sophistication. Tadashi Shoji’s collection gives us permission to be dainty and graceful, which is always a plus. The models minimal makeup and “just rolled-out-of-bed” ponytails were the perfect contrast to the high-end classiness of their gowns. I’m taking that messy-meets-chic cue into fall and winter.

So here’s what I know now: Simple makeup is in. Lace has survived another season. And I must rent Anna Karenina stat.

Did Tadashi Shoji nail this collection? 

- Evette Dionne

Photo Credit: The Associated Press

LBS Runway Report: BCBGMAXAZRIA Fall 2013

New York Fashion Week started off with a bang, the Theatre full to the brim with an audience eagerly anticipating the start of the BCBGMAXAZRIA show. The Turkish-inspired collection was full of textures, layering and leather.

I must say I was in awe of this collection as every single look screamed out to me; it was as if Max and Lubov Azria had designed this collection with me in mind. As a hat lover, I was enchanted by the cashmere beanies that adorned each look. 

The pimp-daddy furs that were ever present in this Fall 2013 collection made my toes curl. I fell in love with every single look - from the patchwork fur vests to the jackets and power woman separates, for once I’m excited for Fall!

The rich blues, neutrals like blacks and white, and burgundy mixed with contrasting textures created a luxurious feel.  Flowy skirts and dresses paired with furs for gypsy-inspired layering. Contrasting sleeved boyfriend coats, baseball jackets, laser-cut leathers, and super-sexy thigh-high cut-out leather boots abound. The beauty look was bone-straight hair and dewy satin-finish makeup. The jury is still out on the leather leg warmers...

The Fall 2013 embodies a woman-in-charge, grungy yet bohemian with a sporty essence. Sounds complicated but BCBGMAXAZRIA made it look effortless.     

Will you be emulating any of BCBG’s looks?

                                -Kaila Baptiste

                                                                                 Photo Credit: The Associated Press

LBS Runway Report: The Heart's Truth Red Dress Collection 2013

Credit: InStyle.com

On the evening of Wednesday, February 6th, LBS had the pleasure of attending The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection Show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC, where we were amongst a sea of red dresses, lips, shoes, handbags and even red hair in support of the fight against heart disease. The Heart Truth campaign is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. We blogged about National Wear Red Day last Friday, in support of The Heart Truth's mission to spread heart health awareness.

The show consisted of a plethora of stars including Toni Braxton, Wendy Williams, Kelly Osbourne, Gabby Douglas, Roselyn Sanchez, Minka Kelly, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner to name a few. Designers of the striking dresses included a few of our favorite designers: Oscar de la Renta, Tadashi Shoji, Herve L. Leroux, Marc Bouwer, Carolina Herrera and Nicole Miller.

The energy in the room was at an all-time high as the lights dimmed and the show promoting heart health for all women began.

Front-rowers included the amazing Mr. Jay Manuel, runway coach extraordinaire Ms. Jay Alexander, and stylist to the stars June Ambrose, and songstress/reality star Adrienne Bailon.

Credit: nydailynews.com

The Jenners were in attendance! Kris, Kendall and Kylie Jenner walked the runway, all dressed in Badgley Mischka and might I add - Kendall worked it out on that runway!

My fellow Brit, Kelly Osbourne rocked the runway with her glorious lavender hair and tattoos on display, dressed in this slinky strapless Zac Posen.

Credit: hiphopnews24-7.com

Toni Braxton was most definitely my star of the night as I am aware of her battle with heart disease and have been a lover of her music since forever! I was excited to see her honored by closing the show. She beamed down the runway and worked it out in this stunning Herve L. Leroux red dress.

Doesn’t she look amazing?!

-Kaila Baptiste

Visit www.hearttruth.gov for more information on women and heart disease.