Contributing Editor Cologne Schmidt writes:

Recently, in the middle of NYFW craziness, I stopped at Wellington Hair Spa in Chelsea with fellow Jolie Nadine contributor Hillary in to get my hair and nails did. M2M Nails supplied the celeb and runway-worthy polishes—which took me about an hour to decide on. Described as ‘luxury in a bottle’, M2M offers an array of matte and shiny shades that ain’t your average Wet n’ Wild. I settled on a matte blackish purple vamp color, and am pleased to admit I went chip free for over a week! And as if they read my mind—they are adding easter-egg pastels to the collection in Spring…mmm, can’t wait!

Celebrity manicurist Myrdith Lean-McCormick (whose clientele ranges from Kate Hudson and JLo to the runway shows for Vera Wang and Zac Posen) branched off by starting M2M in 2008. Each polish is inspired by and named after a personality trait of her favorite celebrity clients—so you can feel a little closer to them with every drop of paint. Myrdith was born in Port-Au-Prince, so a percentage of every $11.00 polish is donated to aiding the people of her beloved homeland, Haiti.

Then, the owner of the salon, Patrick Wellington, indulged us with a hair strengthening treatment and some simple tips on maximizing your locks. His advice?  1) First, know your hair type and select products made for you. If you have colored hair, make sure you use a shampoo and conditioner designed for color treated hair. If you have curly hair, you might look for volume control products. Thus, you’ll achieve the look you want without damaging your hair. 2) His next tip, and one I always fail to execute, is to get a hair trim on a regular schedule. Having your hair trimmed every few months is crucial for hair growth and breakage prevention. It is one of the best things you can do for your hair, yet so many people wait six months (or longer!) before they get a trim.

Pretty hair, pretty nails, happy girl!

So, as I mentioned, it’s been very busy in Jolie-land.  I didn’t attend New York Fashion Week, but sent contributing editor Cologne Schmidt in my place to all the events.  She promptly submitted write-ups…and I’m only now getting around to putting them up.  Egads!  Fashion moves so quickly, the information is probably all a moo point by now!  (You know, like a cow’s point of view.  It’s moo.)  Regardless, for those of you who love the behind-the-scenes action, here’s your fix. More to follow.

Contributing Editor Cologne Schmidt writes:

Geisha-inspired faces took over at the Vivienne Tam show—located in her gorgeous glass-walled Soho store. Not a huge surprise, seeing as Vivienne Tam is known for her Asian patterns and rich color. Nevertheless, the slicked-back pony and vibrant red lip looked effortlessly modern and glamorous and complemented the Asian-inspired collection. The shredding/folding/pleating of the garments and the brilliant tiger and leopard lace tights were drawn from underlying themes of the Chinese Zodiac animals. (And, of course, it’s currently the year of the Tiger!)

I had a chance to chat with Maybelline make-up artist Charlotte Willer to get the low-down on how to achieve the China Porcelain doll look.  Her instructions:

– Start with a light layer of Mineral Power Liquid Foundation and a thin coat of Mineral Liquid Concealer all over the face.

– Use Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil to perfect the brows and give them shape.

– For the eyes, simply add a little shimmer in the inner corner.

– No mascara, liner, nada.

– Then, use Color Sensational Lip Liner in Red all over the lips for a bold and long-lasting look.

While I don’t think I could ever pull off the geisha-lite look, for those of you who have the courage, it’s simple but powerful and will certainly grab attention!

Contributing Editor Cologne Schmidt writes:

There was something bittersweet about this year’s fashion week—it was the last to be held in the tents at Bryant Park. Even as a semi-newbie to the FW scene, this bit of news sends a little pain to my heart. I’ve lived in NY long enough to see three seasons go though the tents and nothing compares to the shows inside the white circus construction. Since 1993, NYFW has been held in this iconic location—mainly because of its proximity to the garment district. But it has since outgrown the pretty little park, and is moving to Lincoln Center and beyond.

However, to steal a quote from amNY, “People in the fashion industry are addicted to change” and “wherever fashion goes in New York City, fashionistas are sure to follow.” Designers are trying to remain optimistic about the change—and many have already embraced new venues. Catherine Malandrino was held at the Chelsea Art Museum, RVCA by Erin Wasson was held at the beautiful ABC home design store, and many designers held their shows at their flagship stores in the city.

Designer Vivienne Tam (whose show I was able to cover; more on that soon!) reflects on leaving Bryant Park: “I remember my first show there; it was the most memorable moment of my career because it was the first time the tents were at Bryant Park, my first fashion show and my first cover of WWD.”

Luckily this change like won’t affect the beauty and glamour that is synonymous with New York Fashion Week. It’s fashion in New York: the show will still go on.

Contributing Editor Cologne Schmidt writes:

As an 80’s baby, the word “scunci” pleasantly takes me back to my elementary school days—spandex bike shorts, oversized tee, and side-pony brilliantly secured with matching neon scunci.  (So chic, right?) Lewis Hendler, cofounder of one of the best known hair accessory brands, Scunci International, is back in a whole new way—with an online cosmetics department store: Michael Todd Cosmetics.

Actor and model Michael Todd partnered with Hendler to create the only internet cosmetic and fragrance department store of its kind. The website boasts expert skin consultations, virtual makeovers, educational “how to” videos, and live consultants to answer questions at any time. You also have the option to customize your own palette, allowing you to purchase only your favorite shades. They have strategically priced their couture-quality products just below premium brands—with free shipping, no tax, and a return policy of ‘always, no questions asked’. (more…)

Contributing Editor Cologne Schmidt writes:

Celeb hairstylist and salon owner James Corbett (his scissors and foils have grazed the tresses of Brittany Gastineau, Dina Lohan, among others), has just taken beauty salons to the next level. His ‘green’ spa, which oozes tranquility and Zen, combines everything you would need for a quiet escape from the big bad city. Directly situated underneath his ‘hidden gem’ salon nestled in Union Square, his spa offers facials, massages, waxings, manis and pedis, and—truth-be-told—yoga classes. The inner-city hideaway provides all mediums to total body happiness—minus the toxic chemical riff raff. They use and sell non-toxic nail polish, organic edible skin food, and Alison Raffaele mineral make-up.

James Corbett’s intimate new spa—from the staff and treatments to the Asian décor—encapsulates health and sympathy of the mind-body-spirit. It is designed for busy New Yorkers to take care of all their beauty needs at one time. As part of the opening, the spa will offer two specials including 25 percent off waxing services and an Organic Milk & Honey facial for $85 (normally $120). What an excuse to be pampered! And James, himself, is divine. I have since gone in to his salon to experience his highlighting expertise first hand, and have never been happier with my hair. The color, the quality—I didn’t say anything to him and he made my hair better than ever. I mean, lets face it…as crazy as Dina is, she does have great hair…

Cologne just shot this amazing deal my way; it’s a L’Oreal Luxury Sale at the Metropolitan Pavillion in New York featuring discounts between 50% - 90% off on some of my favorite brands: Lancome, Shu Uemura, Kiehl’s, Vichy and La Roche-Posay, as well as Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani.  The sale is on now and runs until this Sunday, December 20th.  Print out the invitation below for admittance.  Get to it!

Contributing Editor Cologne Schmidt writes:

I have this weird obsession with 80’s supermodels. Actually, it used to be all supermodels in general—until I moved to Soho where, I swear, there must be some kind of supermodel dormitory down my street because they are always swarming my block. Not that I am complaining—they look awesome and their lifestyles intrigue me—but 80’s catwalk queens really spark my fascination. Once upon a time, back when supermodels ruled the world, gracing the covers of every major fashion magazine (prior to the TV and tabloid celebrity take-over), a striking and leggy Somali girl was discovered while attending University in Kenya. She spoke five languages.  And her name was Iman.

Fast-forward thirty-odd years, and Iman is now one of the most celebrated supermodels of all time, not to mention muse to high fashion designers such as Yves Saint Laurent.  I recently found myself sitting down with Iman in her office (conveniently down the street from mine) to discuss her new entrepreneurial venture—Global Chic. The stunning mom-of-two showed me her handbag, jewelry, clothing, and cosmetic lines—which are all to-die-for and surprisingly affordable! Inspired by her world travels and created for multi-purpose lifestyles like her own (business meetings, PTA, date-night, red carpet, TV, the usual)—all her items can be found on HSN.  Iman, with her awesome accent, is upbeat and driven, and I couldn’t help but smile when she would nonchalantly say ‘Oh, yes, David loves this…’ (she’s married to rock star legend David Bowie). (more…)