NYFW Inside-Out: Chadwick Bell F/W 2013 + Backstage Beauty

Chadwick Bell Fall/Winter 2013 at "Monterey Pop" Feb. 8, 2013. Photo via Style.com /InDigital/GoRunway -
see Chadwick Bell on Facebook and "LIKE" :-)

Jane Birkin and Francoise Hardy served as muses for the collection.
Photo via Style.com /InDigital/GoRunway

There's something always inexplicably refreshing and exciting about fashion shows. Yes, there are the annoying crowds and the pushing and shoving. But under the surface of all the supposed nonsense, the bottom line is designers, when it comes to the core, are seeking to relay their creative spirit through wardrobe. I appreciate that. Getting a piece of clothing to move and show off the best parts of the human body on a creature in motion is no easy feat.  I will always appreciate the love, the aspiration and the dedication to create original clothing.

Chadwick Bell, for his F/W 2013 collection dedicated his collection to the a rock festival film Monterey Rock from 1968. It conveyed non-conformity and self-discovery through expressionism. Bell's clothing was quite sophisticated for the premise (cotton jacquard suits, velvet dresses) but I appreciated the homage to my ever favorite decade the 60s with pops of orange, plums and kelly green. And I loved the simple pieces -- like the long, lean wearable pants and neoprene sweatshirts that were far from schlumpy, and quite beautiful. The gowns were also simple, slightly 60s rebel and striking.

Backstage Beauty:

Makeup
To prime the skin, Makeup Artist Daniel Martin worked with Intraceuticals, a treatment that uses oxygen under pressure to deliver a serum paired with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, essential vitamins, botanicals, antioxidants and peptides on the skin leaving the skin visibly hydrated, firmer with reduced fine lines and wrinkles No other makeup was used other than for the lips, which was applied with the finger for a sultry and effortless look.

To accentuate the poppy colors, skin was kept dewy and minimal.

Daniel Martin served as lead make-up artist; Beauty's focus was relaxed beauty with a focus on flawless skin (Martin is on far right). 

Hair

Bumble & Bumble's Rolando Beauchamp overseeing the hair styling, which was kept stylishly undone and pretty.

The hair's inspiration was just a girl you see walking around in Paris - clean, fresh and natural. It was placed underneath jackets - to accentuate the casualness of it all. Using a braid took the fullness away from the hair with a low ponytail took the volume away to achieve a nice rounded shape at the base of the head.

Nails

Zoya Nail Polish's Erin nails helped bolster the minimalist makeup and hair.

Nails were done by Zoya, one of my favorite brands as it has no formaldehyde. The color was a sheer translucent neutral called Erin with a hint of iridescence. It had a clean polished look with a rounded shaped.

N.C. with additional reporting and photography by Aaron Rosa.
Special thanks to Aaron for being of amazing assistance while I was out of commission for a bit at the show! Hooray for my intern/assistant! 

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com. 

How to do a Distressed Fishtail Braid

A simple how-to on fishtail braiding for StyleUnited.com

 Braids are sexy. They're romantic. They're easy, and hide bad hair. And fishtail braids are just plain awesome -- particularly if you put a little distress into them to modernize the look. Here's my quick video for StyleUnited. com. You'll see how quick it is to go from whatever hair to something that looks a bit more catwalk! Enjoy!

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

My Neccessities for Surviving Fashion Week

Within hours of returning from my blissful summer in Hawaii I was thrown right into covering the frenetic but yes, fun (I'm not complaining, trust me!) fashion week. It's exciting and filled with people I adore and great fashion, parties and whatnot, but party after show after event, it takes a lot out of you. And as a beauty and style influencer, a mother and someone, and just a health-conscious person, you've got to be smart about conserving energy and skin-conscious. This means lots of rest in between, good hydration and saying no to things when you're feeling run down. A lot like parenting, no? Here are some of my top items that kept me picture perfect and got me through the lights and brilliant whirlwind that is NYFW.

Nuun All Day Vitamin Enhanced Drink Tabs for All Day Hydration To prevent dehydration and getting sick, I carried these cool tablets around, conveniently packed in a small tube. They're packed with electrolytes, potassium and calcium and were designed for professional athletes -- and have no sugar! They also save plastic b/c you just slip them in your water bottle! (4 tubes/$24).

The contents of my vintage Hermes canvas bag dumped after NYFW finished: Key survival items were bandaids for ouchy heels, my favorite MakeUpForEver rouges, my new favorite BB Cream from Korean brand Skin Food (Peach Sake Pore BB Cream SPF 20 PA+), sticker rhinestone bindis for spicing up your makeup, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concelear, my Muji multi-color pen, Hello Kitty bubble gum handwipes, TicTacs :-) extra earrings, and my vial of Kai Perfume Oil fragrance.

My new favorite toothpaste: Colgate Optic White; Makes your mouth mouthwash clean w/out the harshness of using one, + it whitens your teeth! I also carried the handy Colgate Optic White Wisps ($8/16) in my bag for the in-between moments when I needed a quick no-sink cleanse. They're a l'il toothbrush with a dental pick on the other side. What's not to love? Fresh breath is important!

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Laid Back and Chic: Meet My Hawaii Tastemakers!

My August StyleUnited Tastemakers Peggy Jordan, Tattoo Artist of Electric Paradise Tattoo, left,
Amber Chesebro, right, Jeweler, Salty Girl Jewelry - both spotted stylin' in Honolulu, HI.

Living year-round in a tropical wonderland means keeping up a casual but style-conscious look. My latest lovely StyleUnited Tastemakers are both East Coast natives who've learned to incorporate their more dressed-up hometown looks to something that works well in a land of surf and sea. It's budget-friendly and breezy. For anyone who loves embracing a bit of West Coast style in their wardrobe, here's a great pathway and insight into beach-y and lightweight style:

Amber Chesebro

Peggy Jordan

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

The Best Frozen Hawaiian Drink: A Liliko'i Chi Chi, My Recipe

For NuyBeauty: A Bi-Island Beauty & Style Influencer's Life doesn't seem so bad, right?
The thoughts bounce off the stunning aquamarine harbor for me at Pier 9, Honolulu, HI. 
Photo by my 4-year old daughter.

Happy Monday! I've recently been thinking about becoming a bi-island beauty & style influencer -- figuring why not embrace both the islands I love so much and are my homes. I grew up in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, and then made my home and career in fashion and beauty for years on Manhattan island. But as I miss paradise so much, and have spent some extended time here this summer, I am of the feeling that I'll spend just a few months here and there in Hawaii bringing and broadcasting to you what's so special about this cultural melting pot of international love and clever forged styles and beauty. What do you think? ;-) Plus: Do you know? I've actually now lived longer in NYC than in Oahu - GASP!

A little treat for today as I enjoy my last few days here before I fly back to my home in the Big City for Fashion Week, and to get my daughter to school : I've been experimenting with a little mixology! Fun, fun, fun. My friend Ning was here last week for a visit, and we fell in love with the historic Pagoda Restaurant's Chi Chi, what they call a Piña Colada in Hawaii.

I've been trying to recreate it, but came up with a slightly altered version that blends a bit more of the tropics than the usual pineapple and coconut. See what you think!

A Chi Chi, or better known as a Piña Colada, is uber satisfying on a hot summer day.
Or any day for that matter!

NuyBeauty's Liliko'i Chi Chi Recipe:

Ingredients For One Drink

3 oz. Sweetened Pineapple Juice (Dole Brand is best)

2 oz. Hawaiian Sun Liliko'i Passion Juice or, you can just use 5 oz. of the pineapple juice and then add 1-2 tbsp. or your desired amt. to taste of Aunty Liliko'i's Passion Fruit Syrup (which is multi-use for pancakes and glazed meats!)

1.5 oz. Coconut Cream

2 oz. Vodka of your choice

*Option to add 1/2-1 scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an extra creamy delish treat!

1 cup Crushed Ice

Tools Needed: A Blender

Directions: Add all ingredients to the blender, adding the crushed ice last. Blend well until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

TIP: *Fashion/beauty treatment for your glass: You can add a fancy twisted straw, a colored parasol and/or a sliced pineapple wedge as a garnish.

TIP: *Or, something I did to sweeten it just a tad w/out using ice cream or the syrup was to stick a natural fruit popsicle right into it. It added a splash of contrasting color and looks great.

Cheers!

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Best Tropical Styles & Accessories in Hawaii w/ TheCatDish.com

A few weeks ago I did a segment with the vivacious and gorgeous blogger Catherine Toth of TheCatDish.com on beauty, fashion and food culture in my hometown of Honolulu, HI. The first part covered skin-healthy food and sun protection for your hair. Here's part two where Cat shares her favorite local accessory, swim and clothing designers. Tropical styles are truly beautiful here in this paradise.

Take a look at some of the fashion finds here, and see what you think. I recommend mixing and matching them into your look, whatever your style. Celebrate the last few weeks of summer! xoxo

Best Tropical Styles Honolulu 2012 Shopping Guide:

1) Fighting Eel Boutique: Awesome Day and Night Wear, an elegant choice in the tropics.

Perfect for those who like a relaxed and comfortable, but effortlessly modern look. Fighting Eel Boutique.

2) Tiare Hawaii: Amazing, comfortable and flowing beach dresses and sarongs.

Gorgeous. Absolutely stand out on the shore with Tiare Hawaii.

3) Candy Diaz: Musician and Jeweler. Collects tiny Ni'ihau Coral to design one-of-a-kind ocean inspired pieces.

Delicate and sweet, and a perfect price! Work by Candy Diaz.

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Boys to Men: Styling them for Deep Summer

When we look at men, boys, dudes, guys, not only do we look at their faces and bodies, we look at their clothes and style. It's important. We make judgments about them (admit it!), and just like for us women, it says a lot about their character. Dressing well is supreme. I recently did a story for StyleUnited. on 7 stylish looks for MEN and would love you to take a look -- using two lovely young males. The outfits ranged from streetwear to ultra classy:

7 Stylish Ways to Dress Your Man on StyleUnited.com

OUTTAKE FUN!

Also, I thought it'd be fun to give you some outtakes and detail shots from this super fun LES, NYC shoot, where my team, style assistant Kristen King, and intern Alyssa Parsons were awesome in helping to pull the whole indoor/outdoor experience together. Thanks girls! Enjoy the fashion scenery and have fun mixing and matching the styles to help put together your next looks for your boys to men. Shopping for them, dressing them is truly a fun experience when you get in on it with them, and match their tastes (TIP: meet them halfway, just like in a relationship ;-), if you have a fashion disagreement!)

Matt is wearing Moscot Nebb Sunglasses by Moscot

Bogdan is sporting a hat and Lannon Chino Pants by DQM, Old Skool Skateboarder shoes by Vans, DQM New York, Shirt, Vintage Theory button down shirt courtesy of Buffalo Exchange NYC.

Vans Classic Checkerboard slip-ons (left) and Vans OG Palm Leaf Hi Tops, DQM NewYork

Bogdan's cashmere hoodie is by Marc Jacobs Collection, a Vans tank, at DQMNewYork.com, and Moscot Drew shades.

Matt is wearing a Vans Striped Tank and Palm Leaf Hi Tops, DQM Malto Canvas Shorts, a Vintage Rooster Patterned hoodie courtesy of Buffalo Exchange NYC, and Moscot Cassius shades.

The Crew taking a break on the LES, NYC: Top- Left to Right: Intern Alyssa Parsons Models, Matthew Kruszelnicki and Bogdan, Style Assistant, Kristen King; Bottom - Fr Left to Right: Matt, me, Bogdan and Kristen.

Special thanks to Buffalo Exchange NYC Steven Harvey Fine Art Projects.

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

4 Steps to the Perfect DIY Jean Cutoffs

DIY Jean Cutoff in 4 Steps

Don't know what to do with your old hole-y jeans? Have piles of them lying around that are too annoying to get to your local GoodWill? Well just grab a pair of scissors and cut the legs off. Jean cutoffs are something that will never cease to go out of style. But there is an art to creating them to look good on your body. Here's a quick piece I did for StyleUnited that'll make it easy in four quick steps to make it happen for you. Your legs and bum will look hot for the peak of summer!

In just 10 minutes, you will have the perfect cutoffs.  


STYLE TIP:
Wear with flats and a fitted top, or go a little sexier with a looser, flowing top, and a more statement shoe. The blousier top, that should come below the waistline will balance out the leggy factor added by the heel or platform.

Model Sara wears a loose top to balance out nude statement wedges with her newly cut jeans.  

BONUS BEAUTY TIP:

Add bronzer or self tanner if your legs are pale, plus even baby oil to up the leg appeal if your are pale! It works!

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Dress for Destiny: My Love for Coco Chanel

 Gabrielle Chanel and her friend from her younger days, opera singer Marthe Davelli (left) on a yacht
193, photo Denise Tual in, Chanel and her World by Edmonde Charles-Rou. Fashion Tip: Notice the bold, gold bracelets in triplicate. Simple, minimal but repetitious. The slacks were probably Chanel's most significant contribution to female style in the 20th century. Women were, because of her designs, able to wear pants and be sexy, sophisticated and modern.

My motto: never leave the house without being dressed to impress, because who knows who you might meet -- the President, a rock star, a person that could change your life? I was taught this by my mother, and then my maternal grandmother made sure this was ironed into me -- she was never seen wearing a sneaker in her life despite having fled North Korea during the split! Who knew, one of my most favorite designers of all time had a great quote on this:

"I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny." 

Ahhhh, Gabrielle Chanel. Thank you. :-)

--N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

TASTEMAKER JULES KIM: Get the 411 on the Style and Jewelry Star's fashion

Jules Kim

Jules and I at her weekly summer rooftop party at the Standard Hotel

Adore amazing modern jewelry? Well adore Jules Kim! She's an uber talented jewelry designer, and I recently did a piece on her at StyleUnited. Check her out, and check out how she pulls her fantastically edgy yet strong and feminine look together:

My Latest Tastemaker: Jules Kim of Bijules

-- N.C.

Simple Dressing

--N.C.

Stylish Dressing in a Cinch

--N.C.

Glamour on the Go 1-2-3, with Alicia Quarles

Who doesn't want to look fabulous quickly? The clock is usually never on my side when I'm running to an event or an evening out and have to switch from mom-work mode and get into high-glam mode. But, I get it done, and you can too with a few simple tips. And I'm talking about getting your entire look done, from hair and make-up to wardrobe in all of fifteen minutes. Yes, I'm serious!

I decided to bring in a very special guest and expert to help me break down the best way to get glamour done on the fly -- Alicia Quarles, global entertainment editor for the Associated Press.

Alicia Quarles gives us her stellar tips for looking good on the run.

As someone who always needs to be camera-ready at the drop of a hat for on-air reporting when she interviews the likes of say Madonna or Oprah Winfrey, I knew that Alicia was just the one for this piece.

So, sit back, watch, and let the glamming begin:

A ton of thanks to Alicia for her dazzling advice! You can find out how multi-faceted she is here!
 
Your 15 min. Glamour 1-2-3:

1) Hair: Work with a hairstyle that's always been your trustiest and most rock solid. Don't rock the boat. Then just use a little bit of product, and the necessary tool whether it's a comb or blow dryer when you're in a rush, to add some polish.

2) Make-up: Focus on a feature that you like and emphasize it, and keep all the others minimal. For example, I like my lips, so many times I'll just throw on a bold lip color (like a nice hot pink or orange-red) and some bronzer and head out the door.

3) Wardrobe: One-piece outfits like dresses and jumpsuits make quick glamour stress-free. You don't have to think about matching a top and bottom and furthermore they're feminine, sophisticated and comfortable too. Alicia mentioned Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses as a favorite, and here's a silk one I found that is fantastic. Take a look:

DVF Nove Wrap Dress ($425)

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.

Beauty is Simple, Sophisticated Dressing

This post is dedicated to my deep love of fashion. And because beauty encompasses not only how we carry ourselves in our skin, our smiles, our teeth -- but I think, simply put, that it has just as much to do with how we wear ourselves too.

I hope you enjoy.

-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.