Category Archives: Happy Hour

Get The Look: 2012 Met Costume Institute Gala

Hey Rosés,

The spring exhibit of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Last night the stars shined for the 2012 Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute Gala. Each year this spectacular event, known as the “Fashion Oscars” celebrates the Costume Institute’s spring exhibit honoring fashion icons. Past exhibits have included Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, the American Woman, Models as Muses, and Superheroes. This year’s exhibit juxtaposes the similarities of Italian designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, despite being from different eras, in “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.”

Celebrities, designers, stylists and socialites cascaded up the red carpet stairs at The Met, with many of the modeling and acting muses being escorted by couture designers. Some of my favorite beauty and fashion trends of the night included gold sequins, couture color blocking, and bold makeup. Check out my top looks:

Gold Sequins and Intricate Beading

L to R: Karolina Kurvova in Rachel Zoe, Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana (My Best Dressed Nominee!), Jessica Pare in L’Wren Scott. Images via Styleite and Getty

Popped Peplums

L to R: Solange Knowles in Rachel Roy, Amy Poehler in Fotini, Elizabeth Banks in Mary Katrantzou. Images via Styleite and Getty

Peekaboo Sheer

L to R: Rooney Mara in Givenchy, Beyonce in Givenchy, Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior. Images via Styleite and USA Today

Mocha Lips on Metallic Hips

L to R: Jessica Alba in Michael Kors, Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren, Lana del Rey in Altuzarra. Images via Styleite and Getty

And it wouldn’t be complete without fashion’s fearless leader:

Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour (in Prada) and her daughter Bee Shaffer (in Erdem). Image via Getty

 What was your favorite look from the Met Gala?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

Posted in Face, Happy Hour, Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

You’re Invited NYC: Curl Daze – A Curly Girl Collabo

Hey Rosés,

You are cordially invited to join my blogger buddy Natasha of Asili Glam and Antoinette & Shanti of Around The Way Curls for the must attend spring curly hair soiree:

Curl Daze: A Curly Girl Collabo!

On May 17th, from 8-11pm at Stash Lounge in NYC you can enjoy complimentary Ciroc cocktails, hair demos, product advice, and hear from top natural hair bloggers and hair stylists. You don’t want to miss the raffles and prizes like the Huetiful Steamerwhat is it… be there to find out!

Essence Magazine street style photographers will be on deck for photos and Mane Moves will film all the action. After you mix, mingle, swap and dance, you’ll be sent home with Gift Bags stocked with your favorite curly hair products like Karen’s Body Beautiful, Kinky Curly, JessiCurl & more!

Whether you are natural or transitioning, expert or confused, black, white, purple or orange, this natural hair celebration is for you!

After 11pm the party continues for guys, gals and all of your friends. Tell them to come dance and toast the good life!

Event Details:

Curl Daze – A Curly Girl Collabo
Date: Thursday May 17th
Time: 8-11pm
After Party 11pm – until
Location: Stash Lounge, 214 West 14th Street, Manhattan, NY

RSVP for the FREE Wait List: www.curldaze.eventbrite.com

 

Questions? Email: thechampagnebeauty@gmail.com or asiliglam@gmail.com. See you there!

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

Posted in Hair, Happy Hour | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

3 Ways To Make Healthy Your New Beauty

Hey Rosés,

 

Black Girls Run! NYC chapter at the More-Fitness Magazine Half Marathon
Image via Megan White

As a long time fitness enthusiast, I frequent the gym and love to try the newest quirkiest classes out there. Yet, at this past Sunday’s More Magazine-Fitness Magazine Half Marathon my body was shocked, pushed and stretched to lengths I never knew I could achieve! With the help of my friends, family and my intoxicatingly supportive running group, the New York City chapter of Black Girls Run!, I made it through the 13.1 miles and steep hills of Central Park, inspiring others and myself in my biggest physical and mental challenge yet.

I finished! 13.1 miles!

Too often the beauty industry highlights outer beauty while the fashion industry (though much improved) still paints unrealistic portraits of body image. At Champagne Beauty, I truly believe in “Sparkling beauty for unique skin,” but more importantly, sparkling beauty for unique and healthy lives.

Let’s take a look at 3 ways to jump start your spring/summer health and fitness plans, because healthy has always been the new beauty:

 

SoulCycle offers upbeat and unique spin classes

1. Fitness Is The New Happy Hour

Skip the drinks and heavy appetizers, instead invite a friend, date, or even a client to a fitness party in the evening. Try something fun like a dance class like Zumba, a cult spin class like Soul Cycle nationwide, or simply enjoy the warm weather with a 30 minute jog in the park. Black Girls Run! is a nationwide supportive running group for women of all ages, ethnicities and skill levels, membership is open to all women.

 

Image via Getty

2. Fitness Is The New Commute

Next time you go to work, an event or the store, park your car a little further or get off the subway one stop earlier and walk. In NYC, if you get on one station later (about 10 city blocks) and get off one station earlier (about 10 city blocks) right there in your morning commute you’ve already walked one mile (20 city blocks)!

 

Image via Getty

3. Whole Foods Are The New Beauty

At an event last week, I met a woman who swore by only organic beauty products as she stuffed a larger than life Cheeto in her mouth followed by a huge swig of Coke. I’m no nutritionist, but uh…perhaps she should focus some of that organic willpower to what she puts IN her body, not just on it. Organic and all-natural foods aren’t for everyone but this season take advantage of nature’s summertime gift of fresh fruit and veggies, and lay off the processed foods.

 

“Teamwork makes the dreamwork” with my friends, family and Black Girls Run teammates:
Kalia, Mikelle, Chenelle, Jade and Stacey
Main Image via Megan White

BONUS: Fitness Buddies Are The New Independent Women!

Yeah you can do it by yourself, but having a partner is proven for better results and staying on track with your goals, and in my case above, literally helping you cross that finish line. Plus they might actually need you more than you need them, be someone’s inspiration today!

What are your fitness goals for this season?

 

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

Posted in Happy Hour | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Beauty News: Sephora Sale, Date the Runway, Spa Week

Hey Rosés,

I hope you had a great weekend! Start your week off right with these beauty and lifestyle headlines…

 

APRIL FOOLS! Rent The Runway and Bonobos Launch Fake Dating Site

Women’s designer clothing rental site Rent the Runway and men’s fashion and lifestyle site Bonobos teamed up for an April Fools prank, deflating fashionistas’ (and fashionistos) dreams everywhere. Using the ad above, they announced Pashion Sense, a new site combing passion and fashion to find the perfect match for stylish singles. In the end it was a joke, but if you use the code PASHIONSENSE today you get 15% off your purchase…no harm no foul.

 

Chic Week: Sephora Offers 15% Off Sale March 30 – April 5th

This week, Sephora is offering members of its Beauty Insiders Club 15% off all merchandise and products in-store and online from Friday March 30th through Thursday April 5th. Stock up on your favorite tools, products, and even the supersized tubs. Enter code CHIC at checkout or print the coupon for in-store. Sign up here if you aren’t already part of the club!

 

Spa Week Returns $50 Treatments April 16 – 22nd

The original deals site for spa treatments has returned with its spring special of $50 spa treatments. While they do offer daily deals and year-round specials, this bi-annual event features top salons and unique services. Try something new like perming your lashes or cleansing your colon or you can simply opt for a longer massage and laser hair removal. To find participating spas, salons and stores nationwide click here, book now appointments are filling up quickly!

 

What were your favorite April Fools pranks?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

Posted in Body, Happy Hour, Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Get The Look: Mad Men’s Mad Style

Hey Rosés,

It’s back! After almost a two-year hiatus, 4-time Emmy winning drama Mad Men premiered its fifth season last night on AMC. The sultry drama showcases a prestigious advertising agency during the revolutionary times of the ‘60s. The show is full of deception, smoking, drinks, and seduction. Scotch sipping, ladies loving, account executive Don Draper (played by John Hamm) and the stylish, sassy, curvaceous head of the secretarial pool Joan Harris (played by Christina Hendricks) returned with a drama-filled season premiere.

I not only love this show because I’m an advertising maven, but I also love the classic fashion and beauty of the ‘60s. This era shifted women’s and minority rights, raised hemlines above the knee, and released rebellious, bold music. Mad Men gives us a glimpse into the changing times, and how advertising and media fueled a new culture.

Thick winged eyeliner, flipped bobs, hip hugging pencil skirts and cat’s eye frames owned the ‘60s. To recreate your own Mad Men looks, check out these limited edition beauty and fashion collections that will give you retro Mad Style:

 

Estée Lauder Mad Men Collection

Purchase: $25 – 40 bloomingdales.com

Shake – Stir – Seduce with this cherry-red lipstick and creamy rose blush. The creamy satin lipstick is a stunning bright red, while the blush gives a natural rosy hue. They both come in vintage gold cases that will give you an iconic look.

Banana Republic Mad Men Collection

Purchase: $35 – 150 bananarepublic.com

Banana Republic is back with another Mad Men collection for both men and women this spring. Floral cardigans, tie-neck blouses, tapered cigarette pants, and gold embellished cocktail jewelry give retro a girly side with rose pinks and lace whites. The men’s collection has structured chino suits, framed polos, and classic argyle sweaters.

 

Lastly, top off the look with a popular ‘60s drink like The Champagne Cocktail, a sophisticated alternative to the office scotch:

The Champagne Cocktail

  • 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp granulated sugar)
  • 1–2 dashes Angostura bitters (or other aromatic bitters of choice)
  • 5 oz mid-range champagne (or prosecco, cava, etc.)
  • ½ oz cognac

Put the sugar in the bottom of a champagne flute, and soak it with the bitters. Top up the glass with sparkling wine.

Recipe and image via Cold Glass

 

What is your favorite Mad Men look?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

Posted in Face, Happy Hour, Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments