The Cloisters in Washington Heights, NYC

Lucky Duck goes uptown to see awesome medieval art.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a branch way up around 190th called The Cloisters. Today is Lucky Duck’s birthday, so it was the perfect time to take a field trip on the A Express train, uptown to The Cloisters.

What is The Cloisters?

It was built in the 1930s to resemble the architecture of several European medieval abbeys. The surrounding grounds sit on a beautiful garden, high on a hill, overlooking the George Washington Bridge and Hudson River, on New York City’s Upper (upper) West Side. It’s packed with cool and unusual art from Medieval Europe.

 

My favorite exhibit

I used to live with my sister on Queen Anne Hill in The Taylor Towers, and we had a soap dish in our bathroom with a unicorn on it. But not just any unicorn – “The Unicorn in Captivity.” Guess what – the real, actual “The Unicorn in Captivity” tapestry is in The Cloisters! It was gifted by Rockefeller, as most of the art was.

Other fascinating highlights

Tons of fun with my sister

It was Kristen’s idea to do this. She’s not just beautiful; she’s brilliant! Kris treated me to my ticket and bought me a beautiful Christmas ornament in the gift shop (of The Flatiron Building). Wow!

A very happy St. Patrick’s Day

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Chanel Illusion Ombre, NARS Shadow Pencil, and the NARS 15×15 book at Book Marc in The West Village

Lucky Duck recommends Chanel and NARS eye makeup.

As The Oscars are unfolding on television tonight, the dresses and jewelry are causing quite a buzz – rightfully so. My favorite moment from The Red Carpet this year was seeing Queen Latifah in Badgley Mischka!

Lucky Duck is taking a different angle on beauty and fashion tonight and talking about makeup, again.

Let me establish credibility

I was a Spokesperson for Estee Lauder for years and would present at Macy’s department stores, all across Western Washington.

Beauty Fashion magazine quoted me in Downtown Seattle.

Chanel Illusion Ombre

My first makeup technique in my original makeup post from Seattle is:

1. Start your lid with an eye shadow base; it will help prevent your shadow from creasing and will bring out the color of your powder shadow.

Chanel’s Illusion Ombre is my new favorite, preferred choice for a nice creamy shadow to pat on first. I’ve been using this product for three weeks and am very pleased. It doesn’t crease, and you can use the brush that comes with it to swipe on over your eyeliner for instant pop, shimmer, and shine.

Top row, left to right: Vision, Mirafique, Fantasme; Bottom row, left to row: Epatant, Apparence

The makeup is spongy to the touch and glides on nicely. The colors are sheer, which is nice for a casual look all by itself, or as a wonderful base to layer on your other stuff.

And because my second tip in my original technique blog post  is…

2. You can wear any color of eye shadow; you just have to find the right shade.

… I want to clarify the difference between Vision on the top left corner above and Apparence, in the bottom right corner, for you shimmery gold lovers out there. Vision is a bright gold (swatch on the far left on my hand below), and Apparence has more color density to it (far right, below). They are different enough to get both, especially when Vision is a Limited Edition.

NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil

I am in love with three of the NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencils. Pictured below, top to bottom: Corcovado, Empire, and Aigle Noir.

Because tip #4 in my original post is…

4. Don’t miss seasonal products that are limited editions.

… I made sure to follow Chanel Vision suit and not miss the golden Corcovado Soft Touch Shadow Pencil that NARS put out for Spring this year. These pencils are not dry and painful to use. They glide on nicely as a smooth gel, and you really don’t have to sharpen it very often. I think I will have these FOREVER.

TIP: You can keep pencils longer in your kit because you sharpen them when they wear; they don’t just sit in the box growing bacteria.

My favorite technique with these products

I have been enjoying putting down the Chanel Vision or Apparence first, and penciling Aigle Noir on my lid. Then, I’ll take a light Clinique powder shadow in a beige-gold color and go over everything to smooth it out.

 

Francois NARS photographs his celeb canvases

And I was such a Lucky Duck today to have found NARS’ 15×15 book on Book Marc’s Sale table today in The West Village!! There are many reasons why this is cool:

• It is numbered copy 430 of 1500, so it’s a collector’s edition! And what’s more, my lucky number is 43.

• It has a price tag of 86 pounds (equivalent to almost $200 USD) inside, but I got it for only $10.00! Ten. Dollars.

• It is absolutely stunning, and Marc Jacobs is featured.

Book Marc is a Marc Jacobs store

I asked my sales person about the book shop, Book Marc (LOVE the clever name!), which sits diagonally from Marc Jacob’s’ clothing store. This location was historically an important book store in NYC, so when the space became available, Marc picked it up and began carrying books, since his clothing stores feature cool books anyway.

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Recap: Lucky Duck’s experiences at New York City Fashion Week, Fall 2013

Lucky Duck and Kate Upton hang out at the Mercedes-Benz display.

It was incredible to live in New York during Fashion Week and participate is so many events around the city. Being new, I’m proud of myself for getting into so many important events – and I’m proud that I didn’t let the blizzard stop me.

“Fashion waits for no one, and it doesn’t stop for snow.” – Me, Fireside Chat #1

• 4 Runway shows
• 4 Style Lounges
• 4 Designers’ private parties
• 2 Presentations of a new line
• 1 amfAR gala
• 1 Gifted green blouse
• 1 Gifted clutch
• 1 Gifted GLITTERRINGS ring
• 1 Huge bag of Fashion Week swag

My New York City Fashion Week TOC

I have several blog posts floating around right now, so I wanted to pull all of my Fashion Week posts together for quick access. The pictures below show what I wore to the event and click to the corresponding blog post.

	Diet Coke The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection This is the jewel that kicks off Fashion Week in New York City every year. Top tier designers, such as Badgley Mischka and Oscar de la Renta, create beautiful red gowns for celebrities to strut. Toni Braxton, Kelly Osbourne, Jillian Michaels, and Kris Jenner were among the stars who walked the runway.
	Front Row at Rebecca Minkoff It was unbelievably exciting to sit on the runway for one of the coolest shows during Fashion Week. Minkoff brought a live band onstage to keep the tempo upbeat for her fantastic new collection.
	Cesar Galindo’s private party at Toy As the blizzard continued to come down, I put on my boots and walked down to Gansevoort Meatpacking to attend Galindo’s party, where models danced with feathers on the bar and spun from the ceiling. Loved that Cesar and I were both in cozy fashionable sweaters.
	Duro Olowu presents his new collaboration Duro gave me two pieces from his new collection, and on March 1st, you can get your hands on his collection at JCP in-store and online. The collection includes apparel, accessories, and housewares. Awesome lounge, hosted by The Daily Front Row.
	The Daily Front Row Style Lounge Hands down, the best lounge at Fashion Week. The Daily Front Row brought in awesome vendors, music, and provided an open bar. I loved spending time at Yoplait, mixing chocolate chips and coconut into my Key Lime Greek Yogurt with Aussie Model Nicole Trunfio!
	Second row at Stacy Igel with interviews This was the first time I had the chance to visit a different tent. The Conair Style 360 tent was awesome, and Stacy’s show was FUN. She introduced a new kids line, had Gia Giudice showing it off, and gave us a British Invasion-Style live performance by Leah Labelle! After the show, Stacy and Rosario Dawson gave me a quick interview.
	Badgley Mischka presents their best line yet This collection was so me. I wore a Badgley Mischka black, gold, silver, snake-like jeweled caftan, which I thought was perfect, given it’s The Year of the Golden Snake! Selita Ebanks took a photo with me backstage and said I was pretty. Mark and James were so nice.
	Of Whonder is a brand new line for plus-sizes Blog post to come. John, who ran PR for this exclusive event at Arena, is in the process of providing me photos from the step and repeat. This line is very cool, and I can’t wait to write up the post!
	RUSK Lounge at Yotel I had the opportunity to interview the Brand Director for RUSK/BaBliss/Conair, the Creative Director for RUSK, the Co-Founder of Bright Box, Eric of The Art of EMJ, and Foco Coconut Water.
	GLITTERRINGS gifts me a beautiful ring With such a huge Swarovski Elements stone and leather inlay, I was surprised to find out that GLITTERRINGS are actually affordable. I love my GLITTERRINGS ring and have been wearing it around the clock.

 

Mercedes-Benz put on another fabulous Fashion Week

Mercedes-Benz had an awesome setup, as usual! During Fashion Week in September of 2011, for example, I was very pleased to see that the SLS on display matched my outfit (left, below). This year, I was thrilled to see that Kristi, who is in the photo with me, was back in the tent (right, below).

I was also happy to see a new face over at Mercedes – Gabriel’s adorable face! We took pictures in the TRESemme photo booth, and he grabbed a shot of me with the car.

Every year, Badgley Mischka is my big show, and because I’ve always flown in from Seattle, it’s usually the only event that I attend. (However, in 2011, I attended the Betsey Johnson show, which brought my total to two.) This year, I attended at least one event per day, every day of Fashion Week.

 

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Badgley Mischka Fall 2013 Collection at Fashion Week is arguably their best collection yet

Lucky Duck has a coveted seat at the Badgley Mischka show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City.

Everyone who knows me knows that Badgley Mischka is my favorite brand, so when I got my invitation to the show the year, I was thrilled. Mark Badgley and James Mischka always put on an incredible show, and their Fall 2013 presentation was no exception.

Tassels and sparkly belts and beads – oh my!

Honestly, my favorite collection to date. It was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s Femme Fatales, and the collection certainly inspired me. I can not wait to see this collection in stores. If you’re a buyer, buy it. If you’re a celebrity, wear it on the red carpet – especially that amazing gold dress that was last to be shown.

The show is captivating with a smoke-filled runway

You can go to Badgley Mischka’s website for a much better video of the show at www.badgleymischka.com, but here are some clips from my seat in section A.

Back stage is abuzz

Badgley Mischka is a celebrity favorite, and there is no doubt that we’ll see the brand on the red carpet during The Oscars later this month. It was awesome to see everyone come out to celebrate the Fall 2013 collection.

A Victoria’s Secret Angel told me that I looked beautiful in my Badgley Mischka caftan

Selita Ebanks is the one who stunned in Badgley Mischka during February 12th presentation at Lincoln Center! But I was deeply touched by her kindness. I always wear Badgley Mischka from head to toe when I attend their show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. By now, I have built up such a huge Badgley Mischka collection!

What I wore to the show

Just days before Mark and James’ presentation at Fashion Week, The Chinese New Year rang in, and it’s the year of the Golden Snake. Given, I feel this Badgley Mischka beaded caftan was the perfect choice!

I layered on Badgley Mischka chandelier earrings and bracelet, and I used a Badgley Mischka clutch that I bought at their flagship Grand Opening on Rodeo Drive. And of course I used my Fuller heels, that appeared in the New York Times Style Section on me during Fashion Week 2010.

Here’s a video of me in my room, describing my outfit on the Eve of the show. I swear, the night before a Badgley Mischka feels like Christmas Eve!

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Sneak peek the Duro Olowu for JCP collection via The Daily Front Row party at Stone Rose Lounge

Lucky Duck gets a first look at the Duro Olowu for JCP collection, and he loves what he sees!

Today, The Daily Front Row hosted an impressive event at The Stone Rose Lounge to celebrate the upcoming Duro Olowu for JCP collection, which becomes available in stores and online March 1st. Mark your calendars! This collaboration collection rocks, and it’s going to go FAST.

See the collection before anyone else

Guest were able to go shopping throughout the gorgeous displays, and we could pick two items that we liked best. I picked out a beautiful top and clutch, and I feel excited to wear them well this Spring.

Check them out in this video:

Meeting Duro Olowu was a special opportunity

It goes without saying, but the London-based designer is talented at his craft and does amazing work that we can all enjoy March 1st. But on a personal note, Duro is truly a very charismatic, engaging, and generous host.

Duro’s line includes

More than clothes! Starting March 1st, you can find coats, jewelry, shoes, bags, platters, pillows, and vases.

What the line looks like on

She’s pretty! And this outfit is divine.

The Daily Front Row stages a great party

The lounge was hot, and there was plenty of food and drinks to enjoy as we shopped, made new friends, and enjoyed the views of Central Park and Columbus Circle.

My outfit at today’s party

It’s about 30 degrees and New York, and there is still plenty of snow on the ground. But I’ve been wearing snow boots up to the tent at Lincoln Center for two days, and there was no way that I was going to hang out in plastic shoes at this event. No thanks.

Here’s a video of me in my bedroom, describing the style I brought to The Stone Rose Lounge.

 

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Cesar Galindo’s after party at Toy goes on in the New York City blizzard

Lucky Duck grabs a great spot at the bar during Cesar Galindo’s after party at Toy.

To celebrate a stunning presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on Friday morning, Cesar Galindo hosted his after party at the hot spot Toy, at Hotel Gansevoort in the Meatpacking District.

Making fashion work in a blizzard

I can walk to Toy from my place, so I wanted to wear something weather appropriate, yet chic. I picked out my cozy gray Poleci sweater with the interesting black fur armholes, and wore shiny waterproof boots with my gray St. John, black fur trimmed winter jacket.

 

Cesar is wearing a fashionable cozy sweater too

Cesar was such a wonderful host. He was very friendly and generous, and lucky for me, happy to get a picture with me at the step and repeat! His publicist is on the left, Cesar is on the right.

The Entertainment is super sexy

In the first video, you’ll see the gorgeous dancer with her feathers on the bar. In the next video, you’ll see the acrobat in the ball on the ceiling, and then I film the next room over.

 

 

The snow was really coming down on my walk home

In this video, you can see how hard it was snowing, as well as hear my commentary about how the evening ended and my thoughts on dating these days.

 

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Sitting front row at Rebecca Minkoff, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City

Lucky Duck is a big fan of Rebecca Minkoff’s fabulous presentation during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Minkoff’s 2013 Fall Collection kills!

Fashion stops for no one, not even the East Coast Blizzard

It went against everything I believed in, but I really didn’t have a choice…  As a foot of snow was falling on New York City, I put on my Sperry snow boots, Mackage Peaches jacket, and waterproof mascara (my only stitch of makeup!) and took the 1 train up to Columbus Circle for Rebecca Minkoff’s show at Fashion Week!

Theophilus London didn’t mind my awkward snow gear

The Brooklyn rapper didn’t even blink an eye at my “Winter Fashion” and was very kind to me. And, he looked great!

 

Before show time

The Theater is abuzz! Joy grabbed some shots of me Tweeting from my seat on the runway.

Rebecca Minkoff’s show opens

The runway was a “U” around a row of us sitting in the center. Here is a shot I grabbed from my vantage point, to give an idea.

The band was awesome! Just awesome. Great song choice. Nashville duo Wild Cub performed their single, “Thunder Clatter.” I want that song!

A look at Rebecca Minkoff’s Fall line

But more so – GO REBECCA MINKOFF!! What an incredible Fall line!! I loved the jackets and the shoes. I noticed that the tall “boots” were actually open in back with straps keeping them on. H.O.T. You can see what I mean in this video.

Here are some photos I grabbed from my seat. Click to enlarge.

The show closes, and Minkoff has a lot to smile about

This show rocked. Having experienced this from the front row was unreal. I have a Rebecca Minkoff laptop bag, and suddenly, it’s become my favorite accessory! Here’s a look at the collection coming out on all of the models at the end, and Minkoff greeting her pleased audience.

Thanks for a great show, Rebecca Minkoff! I loved it. Can’t wait to see the line in stores this Fall!

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

The Red Dress Collection kicks off Fashion Week in New York City

Lucky Duck hits the first runway of Fashion Week 2013.

The Diet Coke and The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection Fashion Show is the long-time heart of Fashion Week. The important event, which raises awareness for heart health, always starts Fashion Week off on a beautiful note. And because I now live in New York, I was able to attend this year’s celebration.

Lots of buzz outside. High energy in the doors.

The line was huge, and many people were trying to get last minute, coveted tickets.

There was a lot going on prior to show time, and there was plenty of Diet Coke in the mix.

Video from the runway

So what’s showing on The Red Dress runway?

Top tier designers put their expertise to work and dress some of the most fun celebrities in gorgeous red gowns. It’s amazing.

For example – Oscar de la Renta outfitted Kelly Osbourne in an asymmetrical neckline, as well as Minka Kelly. Brenda Strong wore a Marc Bouwer’s draped cowl-neck dress.

Badgley Mischka had huge presence on the Jenners!

When Kris Jenner came out in Badgley Mischka, I nearly cried. Then her daughters came out in my favorite brand!

I was also pretty excited to see Jillian Michaels, Tony Braxton, and Jamie Chung – who I actually hung out at the Badgley Mischka Grand Opening party on Rodeo Drive.

The Finale

After the show concluded, I said hi to Jay Alexander and Jarod from the Subway commercials. One actress from the front row complimented my Badgley Mischka caftan! The buzz was awesome.

And I got my picture on the runway!

A behind the scenes look at me getting ready at home

In this video, you can see me in my room explaining what I’m going to wear and why. I also pick out jewelry and reveal the handbag mess in my closet. It’s your first and only peek at my room in full… Cheers to Fashion Week!

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Bacardi’s 150th Birthday Party at Copacabana in New York City

Lucky Duck signs Bacardi’s birthday card.

I love a good birthday party. Tonight, I was the lucky guest at Bacardi’s 150th blowout at Copacabana in Times Square. We’ve all seen the commercials, and they don’t lie. Bacardi knows how to throw a killer party. Bacardi doesn’t mess around.

Dressed for the party

I picked my flowy, tropical “Little Mermaid” top for tonight’s shindig, in honor of Bacardi’s roots in Cuba, planted 150 years ago, and the rum factory in Puerto Rico.

In this video, I go through my outfit, calling out the jewelry Mike bought me, my small shoe store, and my trick to look a thinner after a Super Bowl Party binge. There’s a short interruption by Bob, my neighbor.

Bacardi’s birthday commercial

This reminds me of Brian Gold’s New Year’s Eve Speakeasy party at the mansion.

I had a blast hanging out with Marvin and taking photos at the commercial backdrop.

Awesome marketing of the coolest logo

The Bacardi Bat is arguably one of the most recognized logos in the world. Personally, I think it’s definitely one of the sharpest. Wikipedia will tell you that Bacardi went with the bat because  when they set up shop in a Santiago de Cuba distillery, fruit bats lived in the rafters. I tend to think it’s more along the lines of  how the bat symbolizes good health, family unity and fortune – surely desired to be instilled in the rum. I felt pretty excited to be able to get a photograph with such a great logo and brand.

Delicious food and drinks

We all enjoyed signature Bacardi drinks, and had our choice for the duration of the party. The food was generous too! There were three different kinds of paella, and chefs made us tacos, pastas, and sliced meat. There were salads and an entire dessert service.

I love my friends and making new ones

My girl Joy brought me, and I a blast hanging out with her and her friends. And it was truly a blast to work my way through the party and meet some wonderful new people!

My new friend Tucker grabbed this video of me concluding the night as we danced to Will.i.am and Brittany’s Scram and Shout, my new favorite song that I play on my Beats Pill everyday.

In speaking of dancing

No Bacardi party isn’t complete with some serious dance moves. We’ve seen the commercials…

Here’s to another 150

Thank you, Bacardi! And Happy Birthday!

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

A drink with Mrs. Kentucky and lunch in George Washington’s favorite tavern–only in New York

Lucky Duck celebrates Raine Magazine’s International Launch Party at The Pierre Hotel.

Adele Macomber, one of my very best friends, is here visiting from Seattle, and I’m thrilled. Lucky for us, we got connected with an invite to an exclusive party tonight. I’ll start there, and work my way backwards through this very awesome day.

Before heading out, I captured a video of my outfit

Today was bumper to bumper goodness. I actually didn’t even have time to shower and change during my transition from day to evening, so I ran a curling iron through my hair and reapplied some makeup.

Photos on the step and repeat

America’s Next Top Model, Jaslene Gonzales, is wearing the same pair of Badgley Mischka earrings that I own! In fact, I wore mine to the Jenesequa Magazine Launch Party in Seattle. And oddly, in the picture of me on the right below, I’m wearing the exact same top I was wearing to this magazine launch party tonight. Odd, but hey, I have the same earrings as a Top Model!

Enjoying champagne service with Mrs. Kentucky

This isn’t the first time I’ve looked like a short, fat Oompah-Loompah in New York!

Dinner at Nobu 57

The little ceviche taco was Lucky Duck sized! And then I completely stuffed myself on Japanese Wagyu beef, scallops, shrimp, sushi, and ice cream. Adele and I had a blast sharing yummy plates and visiting.

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Prior to my epic night out in New York, Joe and I met up for lunch at the historic place where George Washington used to eat with his friends.

After a fantastic veggie wrap, we went upstairs and checked out the museum.

And then we went to the New York City Stock Exchange

Before meeting my friend at Deutsche Bank for coffee, we stopped to take a video outside of the financial mecca.

To top it off, this weird pilgrim picture is tagged

So after getting all colonial today, I get home and see that a friend from High School has tagged me on Facebook. I look at it and think, “Why am I dressed up like a pilgrim?!” It’s a photo of me getting my hair done backstage during our school production of “Oliver.” I’m 15 in the 10th grade. But that still doesn’t explain why they gave me a pilgrim costume…

And Bob’s Your Uncle!

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!