Makeup & Martinis Chicago Holiday Beauty Extravaganza 2011

In today’s society, the necessity of being naturally beautiful or acquiring the tools needed to promote such a factor is considered prevalent. As popular as the saying “If it isn’t broke, than don’t fix it” is, going by such words may not be wise. Individual beauty isn’t necessarily defined by a certain standard or rule; however one should be willing to master their best “them”. When thinking of a sufficient but practical tactic in achieving the best “you”, I can’t help but imagine a place where a woman (or man) can go to become further educated on the lifestyle of beauty.

On December 3, 2011, I had the pleasure of attending the Makeup and Martinis Chicago event created by the beautiful mastermind, Angela Lee. I was personally invited to interview special guests: Reggie Wells, celebrity makeup artist to the likes of Oprah, Aretha Franklin and supermodel, Iman and Kai Morae, model and the daughter of actress, LisaRaye McCoy. While sipping on delicious martinis, guests were able to indulge in a little pre-holiday shopping with some of Chicago’s top beauty and fashion vendors and get pampered with manis/pedis and facials. I also had the privilege of chatting with the events’ host and radio/TV personality, Bioncé Foxx.


Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this event. Angela Lee definitely, without a shadow of any doubt, has her finger on the pulse. The concept, Makeup and Martinis should and will be shared with the world. I am anticipating the next one. Check out some of the pics (see below).


Being beautiful is always in fashion,
- RL Fox

Angela Lee and RL Fox



Bionce Foxx and Angela Lee

Reggie Wells

Kai Morae and RL Fox

Unveiling of Moirai

I had the pleasure of attending Author, CChic's book launch of her second Novella, Moirai! The fabulous event was held at one my favorite Chicago designers (and friend) studio, Borris Powell! There were so many CHI-lebrities in attendance that came out to support CChic, including: Borris Powell (of course), Benjamin Cottrell, Sarah Zak, Nicole Townsend, Taneisha Jordan, Chef Suzy Singh, GOCA duo Gordana Gogiloo Rasic & Omar Villalobos and so many more! Guests were greeted and interviewed by iT Factor Agency's very own wonderful hosts, Amour Genesis and RL Fox! Amour Genesis was also one of the four beautiful models on the cover of the book!

We enjoyed delicious Samosas prepared by Chef Suzy and sipped on champagne and strawberries. CChic launched her first Novella, "Karma is my Bitch",  in the Summer and wasted no time with writing the follow-up book, titled "Moirai" which by definition is any of the Greek Goddesses of fate or destiny. I was honored to get a signed copy from the author and can't wait to read it! Make sure to get your copy at: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/CChic. It will be available on Kindle soon! For more information about CChic and the book, visit: http://www.authorcchic.com/.

Enjoy the pics from the event! (To see more pics, visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.297241270296276.72751.111163598904045&type=3&l=81507d3115)   

XOXO,

Mik

CChic posing with some the book cover models

CChic posing with more book cover models

CChic signing books

Amour Genesis interviewing Carrie Wenzel of NowYouKnow.com

L: Mik; R: Chef Suzy Singh

L-R: RL Fox, Mik S'ville, Gordana Rasic, Benjamin Cottrell, Renita Manley-Garrett

Delicious Samosas by Chef Suzy

Host, RL Fox

KörperKultur Spring 2012 - Maison de LaCour

Last week was Fashion Focus week in Chicago! I had a great time and caught some wonderful shows. One of my favorites was the KörperKultur Spring 2012 collection by designer, Julius (JuJu) LaCour! I am a huge fan of this designer and was excited when I got to attend the show, front row as media! The collection was everything that I expected and more! I loved that Julius was able to use the nude colors and the plastic materials yet still managed to keep it edgy and interesting.

Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse at Macy's

Those that know me well know that I LOVE Chanel! Since I am a huge fan of the brand, naturally I am a huge fan of it's Creative Director and Head Designer, Karl Lagerfeld. Today the Karl Lagerfeld Capsule Collection for Macy's Impulse Department, hit stores today! Michigan Avenue Magazine and Bright Pink hosted the launch event at the Macy's on State Street.

I had to go and check out the collection and pick up a piece to add to my always growing wardrobe. Guests sipped on drinks by Xante Spirits and nibbled on Crumbs Cupcakes (I'm sad that I didn't get one) while admiring the new collection. We also enjoyed a small fashion presentation with models showing off the different looks.

Overall, I feel that the collection is nice. I wasn't in a big hurry to whip out the credit card for a must-have piece but I wasn't totally bored with the clothes either. I did decide on an over-sized, black and gray, ombre top with Lagerfeld's face on the front. The collection is moderately priced ranging from $50 to $170. There were hints of the traditional Chanel look with a few tweed pieces and lots of black and white that I liked.

Hurry to pick up something from this collection before it's gone!

XOXO,
Mik

"Karma Is My B**ch" Book Signing

Yesterday, I had the amazing pleasure to attend my friend, Cha'rron Chic's book signing. CChic is a well-known Blogger of CChicChicago and Fashionista in Chicago. Now she has added author to her title! Her first book, "Karma Is My Bitch", made its debut at Viktoria's Closet . The Who's Who of Chicago came out to support Cha'rron and to get their hands on a signed copy of the book. 

CChic

Fashion Designers, Miriam Cecilia Carson and Borris Powell

No event would be complete without a little shopping and beauty involved. Love, Lulu Mae was set up with their beautiful head pieces and guests enjoyed shopping at Viktoria's Closet as well. Makeup artist, Teresa Hagen got the women all dolled up. We nibbled on shrimp appetizers, champagne and delicious cupcakes from ChocolatEnvy. It was the perfect event!

Photographer, Prince Agyemang captured some amazing moments at this fun event! Check them out:

CChic & RL Fox (Photo by Prince Agymang)

(Photo by Prince Agyemang)

CChic signing books (Photo by Prince Agyemang)

Photographer, Brit Woollard & MUA, Teresa Hagen (Photo by Prince Agyemang)

CChic (Photo by Prince Agyemang)

Hostess & Model, AmourGenesis (Photo by Prince Agyemang)

Mik & CChic (Photo by Prince Agyemang)

Cha'rron is one of the sweetest people that I know! I'm so very proud of her and wish her nothing but the best! Be on the look out for this talented young lady because I'm sure she has more great things up her fashionable sleeve! Check out her Blog: CChicChicago and Follow her on Facebook! The book can be purchased at Lulu.com, The Book Cellar, Viktoria's Closet or download it to your Kindle from Amazon.com. Visit www.AuthorCChic.com for more information.

XOXO,
Mik

Allure Beauty Lounge

We at iT Factor Agency are so happy that we are now representing a new client, Allure Beauty Lounge!! Fabulous makeup artist and esthetician, Arlana Andrews is the owner and has her own cosmetics line, ABL Cosmetics. Having worked for tons of notable television shows and news stations such as: The Jerry Springer Show, 190 North and ABC/Disney; Fashion Shows such as Macy's Glamorama, some print work and with seven years experience working at M.A.C., Arlana perfected her craft to the point of being able to branch out on her own and start ABL!

I was fortunate enough to experience Arlana's talent first hand, today! She really caters to the everyday woman in making them look and feel beautiful. She gave me a natural look with just a pretty pop of purple (my favorite color) on the eyes. I was even lucky enough to walk away with the perfect parting gift - a nice lip gloss in a light pink shade called "Calla Lily"! She takes her time to make sure that the job is perfected and is very knowledgeable about her products and the industry as a whole. She gives great tips that women can take home and apply when doing their own makeup.

All of the foundations are hypoallergenic, fragrance free, allergy tested, noncomedogenic (doesn't clog pores) and most of the products are paraben free which makes it safer to use. Parabens are a preservative found in several beauty products that have been linked to breast cancer and fertility issues. So it's very important to know that several of her products are free of them. ABL Cosmetics is a full line of cosmetics that caters to all skin-types and ethnicities.

For more information on Arlana Andews and Allure Beauty Lounge, please visit the website at: http://www.theallurebeautylounge.com and become a fan on Facebook. Don't forget to pick up some items while you're there and take a look at the services that she provides! Check out some of the pictures from my makeup session with Arlana!

XOXO,
Mik S'ville