Holiday glamour with Katrina Szish, lifestyle, beauty, and fashion expert

Hi lovelies,

With the start of the holiday season comes the start of party season!

Getting glammed up for parties can be tricky and time consuming:  thought must be given to everything from how to style your hair and what to wear to how to apply makeup to look fun and festive.  

Where to begin?  

Katrina Szish knows glam inside and out – and she knows that it can be easier to achieve than one might think.

Watch our holiday glamour interview:

MORE ABOUT KATRINA SZISH
Katrina Szish is a television host and correspondent. She is a regularly-featured lifestyle and pop culture reporter for a variety of national news outlets and talk shows, including Good Morning America, The Wendy Williams Show, The View, VH-1, Inside Edition and FOX News. She was previously the Lifestyle Correspondent for CBS News’ The Early Show, a host and correspondent for TBS and a regular red carpet commentator on HLN’s Showbiz Tonight. Szish has been the exclusive correspondent for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City, and she is a red carpet regular at the Oscars.  She was an anchor for ABC News Now and ABC News on MTV-U and a columnist for ABCNews.com and CBSNews.com. She was also a correspondent, producer and writer for CNN.com, a freelance correspondent for E!, and the co-host of the Food Network’s “Spa-tacular Destinations.” Szish has made frequent appearances on shows such as The O’Reilly Factor, The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Extra, The Insider, World News Tonight, 20/20, Larry King Live, Live with Regis & Kelly, On the Record with Greta van Susteren, Studio B with Shepard Smith, Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell, Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style and Rocco’s Dinner Party on Bravo. Szish was formerly an editor at VOGUE, InStyle and GQ magazines, and is currently the Editorial Director for legendary shoe designer Stuart Weitzman. Additionally, Szish travels the country as a public speaker, addressing women and teens on inspirational topics ranging from career guidance to life lessons. She is also an active committee member of Friends of Finn, an anti-puppy mill philanthropic organization based in New York City, where she currently resides with her husband.

Interview with celebrity on-air fashion and lifestyle expert Dawn Del Russo on holiday fashion finds

Hi lovelies,

Just in time for last-minute shopping and gift-giving, I chatted with Dawn Del Russo of My Intimate Affair with Fashion to discuss last-minute gifts that won't break the bank, stocking stuffers, gifts for boys and girls, the hard-to-shop for person on your list, and what to buy for the guy on your list.

More About Dawn Del Russo: Dawn Del Russo is a celebrity on-air fashion & lifestyle expert. Dawn has been featured on Fox 5, CBS, NBC, E News!, Pix 11, Inside Edition, Better TV, Martha Stewart Radio as well as host for a local TV program. Dawn's fashion tips have been seen in national and internationally in print like InStyle, Cosmo, Real Simple, Life & Style and US Weekly magazine. She recently was a top stylist on Glamour Magazine's hit show "Dress to Kill." Dawn is the author of "101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle." Her tips cover, beauty, fashion, healthy body and mind, stylish living, and finding inner confidence. She has worked with top runway models, celebrities and socialites. Visit her trendy boutique Bella Dawn for stylish finds and world recognized styling services. Dawn can be found chatting about fashion on twitter @DawnDelRusso, posting finds on Pinterest, giving daily celebrity style tips on her YouTube channel, virtual style advice, "Posing" for her 45,000 followers on Pose app, and writing about her favorite beauty and fashion finds on her site My Intimate Affair with Fashion.

Interview: Cynthia Toussaint, ballerina from “FAME” reveals her secret

Hi lovelies,

Cynthia Toussaint was a ballerina with with a role in the show “FAME."

She was strong and graceful and many would have assumed she was the picture of health.

But a minor ballet injury triggered the chronic pain disease, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, leaving her mute and in a wheelchair for years in addition to being bedridden and housebound.

Since 1997, she has been a leading advocate for women in pain. Cynthia gave testimony at two California Senate hearings. The first was dedicated to CRPS awareness. The second explored the chronic under treatment of and gender bias toward women in pain.

Both of these efforts were the first of their kind in the nation.

Watch the interview:

Get holiday picture perfect with Pret a Porter Designs and Buddha to Buddha

Hi lovelies,

This past weekend I did a deep dive clean of my apartment in preparation of packing for going back home for the holidays. I couldn't muster up the strength to pack until everything else was in order. Are you guys the same way? Can't get into your groove until everything is clean and tidy? I just feel better and more settled. Then I light a few candles, relax, and then get to work. 

I'm heading home on the 17th to Atlanta (my home-away-from-home) since my family relocated from Syracuse a few years back. However, I have to admit that our country home has grown on me and it's a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

This means I have to pack pretty dresses, shoes, tops, bottoms, and accessories, for all of the holiday parties that I'll be attending while home. And of course, I need to be picture perfect, but comfy and cool, when snapping photos with the fam and creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Luckily for me, I have the Kayla dress by Prêt à Porter Designs in reversible herringbone body to wear to my winter soirees with family and friends. 

Check out how I style my Kayla dress for the holidays:

• Kayla dress by Prêt à Porter Designs in reversible herringbone body ($110)
• Black tights
• Carmel wedges 
• Skinny vintage belt in deep burgundy 
• Buddha to Buddha Lars Bracelet ($472)

** Treat yourself and your friends and family this holiday season with the gift of Prêt à Porter Designs by using discount code: HOLIDAYS and receive 30% off from December 9-23rd, 2014. You can also use discount code: NEW LOOK to receive 20% off after the holidays. **

Hi tech holiday gifts and tips with Andrew Krasny

Hi lovelies,

The holiday season is right around the corner and with it comes celebrating age old traditions with family, friends and loved ones.  It’s also time to start planning how to pick out the perfect gift for everyone on your list.  This year, the easiest way to WOW is to plug your loved ones in with all of the new tech options available on the market!

Check out my interview with nationally recognized consumer trends and technology expert Andrew Krasny to find out how!

Some of Andrew’s tips include:

· How to remove the stress from gift-shopping:  what to do before before leaving your house and how to make your trip to the stores a breeze
· Hot Tech Trends: A look at some of the hottest items in stores this holiday season
· Tips and tricks to cut through the noise and chose the best tech options for everyone on your list

MORE 

ABOUT ANDREW KRASNY: 
Andrew Krasny began his career in college answering fan mail for Joan Rivers, which led him to become a long-term writer and producer for the legendary comedienne.  He then went on to “warm-up” hundreds of television studio audiences. He also found success behind the camera producing on Leeza and receiving an Emmy nomination for his work as a producer on The Martin Short Show. Eventually, his irreverent personality led him back on-stage with on-air correspondent positions with talk shows including Donny & Marie, The Martin Short Show, Soap Talk, Dennis Miller, the Emmy award winning Wayne Brady Show, Bonnie Hunt and The Doctors. Andrew hosted the relationship show Crush on the USA Network and currently can be seen on the Tennis Channel and Europsort with his unique pre and post match interviews of professional tennis players.  

He also lends his enthusiasm and expertise on consumer trends, toys and gadgets to countless TV Shows, news and radio programs speaking on behalf of companies including HP, The Home Depot, Target, Levi Straus, Starbucks, just to mention a few.  Andrew also serves as a corporate host and motivational coach.  Currently, he travels both the US and around the world as an announcer for the ATP World and WTA Tennis Tours.  His most recent campaign is as a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.  

We are the cool kids: Together California's Pop-up Shop

Hi lovelies,

The other night I had the pleasure of attending one of the coolest parties in LA. The Together California's Holiday Pop-up Shop to kick-off the release of their new designs. Together California is a a sustainable activewear brand that makes all their clothing out of recycled plastic bottles. The fashion brand was created by husband and wife partners-in-crime Benedict Barrett and Lily Chehrazi. Their pieces are equally hi-tech and high-fashion while protecting the environment and making a fashion statement. 

Featured in both WWD and the LA Times, Together California debuted their first collection in Tokyo during its Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. 

Check out pics from the party and shop Together California here.

Interview with designer Altaf Maaneshia: Perfect for the fun, flirty, and sexy girl

Hi lovelies,

I just got the fashion scoop on one of the hottest, new women's wear designers out there, Altaf Maaneshia. Featured in WWD and Apparel News, Altaf is freshly off of his Spring/Summer 2015 Collection Mystique Garden that was presented during both the New York and Los Angeles runway shows. 

"Altaf Maaneshia returned to his favorite Forties-inspired dresses marked by extreme shoulders and nipped waists done in mixed materials, slightly imprecise fits and odd color combinations, such as mustard yellow and neon coral.  Separates, such as a bomber in a vivid floral print with metallic brocade trip and ivory silk shorts and a minidress, felt sporty and fresh."
 - WWD

His price points range from $50-$350 and luckily for us, I scored an interview with the designer and below are featured pieces from his collection. 

Candy Washington: What was it like to showcase your designs during LA Fashion Week? 
Alta Maaneshia: Overall it was a great experience to show during LA fashion week. LA gives you great opportunities to socialize with people. I love to design for entertainment industry and LA is the best place for that.

CW: What was going on behind-the-scenes, that we can only find out here?
AM: I have been traveling internationally to showcase my latest  FW '14 collection. I have been working around the clock very hard. Spending time with family and enjoying life. 

CW: I loved the models big, tousled hair and deep red and burgundy lipstick on the runway. What role did hair and make-up play into telling the story of the collection?
AM: Spring Summer '15 was inspired by the idea of a garden and this is the reason why we chose a "nest" inspired look. It created a cohesive look transpiring where the inspiration came from.

CW: Who is quintessential Altaf Maneesha-girl?
AM: The Altaf Maaneshia girl is between the ages of 20-30 years old. She likes to have fun, be trendy, stand out in a crowd, wear structured clothes. She is a defined, strong woman.

CW: What's next for your and your designs?
AM: I am working on the Fall Winter '15 collection as we speak and putting together the finishing touches.  After some final tweaks and altercations, my vision for this collection will be transpired, I don't want to give too much away quite yet, but what I can say is that you can expect to see thick chunky wool, leather and comforting stretchy fabrics.

CW: Is anything else that you would like to share with my readers?
AM: Be an inspiration for others. Live your life passionately!

Trumaker: The new menswear brand revolutionizing the shopping experience and interview with the CEO

Hi lovelies,

The online and in-store shopping experience is constantly changing and evolving. New to scene and changing the shopping game is Trumaker, a new type of menswear brand that bridges retail and e-commerce.

In their words: “Trumaker’s individually tailored fit and carefully crafted design gives an alternative to traditional menswear and bring an entirely new service to the everyday man. 

Utilizing its mobile app, Trumaker sends experienced Outfitters to customers’ homes or offices for 30-minute fittings where they take measurements, gather style preferences and provide tailored wardrobe consultations. Gone are the days where men need to spend hours at the store scouring for the right size or discovering the right fit; the Trumaker experience starts at the beginning, eliminating the dreaded process of shopping that men avoid.

Trumaker is launching sweaters, leather goods and belts. Its current portfolio includes shirts for both work and play,as well as a complete ready-to-wear line of luxury tees, cashmere sweaters and accessories.”

Check out my exclusive interview with their CEO Mark Lovas:

Candy Washington: Hi Mark, what was the inspiration behind Trumaker?

Mark Lovas: After developing the Guideshops for Bonobos, I spent a lot of time evaluating the menswear landscape. I discovered that custom clothes for men are all commoditized and that they targeted a very narrow slice of the market -- Wall Street types who were looking for a convenient alternative to their local tailors. I saw a big opportunity to serve a much larger market by creating an upgrade brand via Outfitters who would go to customers' homes and give them personalized style consultations.

I wanted to create something for men that they may not have had access to before: bespoke tailoring at their doorstep and access to an individualized experience that they can only get at a tailor, but now made more accessible because we come to them. Everything we make as a result of a fitting is built to fit every man's specific body.

CW: What are some of the ways Trumaker is revolutionizing the shopping experience?

ML: Trumaker is revolutionizing shopping through its business, product and experience.

• Business - Many made-to-measure brands are commoditized, using custom to make the brand seem more "complex" but not actually providing much personalization. We are bringing to our customers a truly individualized experience and taking built-to-fit a step further -- eliminating the dreaded process of shopping for men.

• Product - High-quality and carefully designed apparel are our number one priority. Our customized pieces are meticulously constructed in San Francisco with custom fabrics and finishes -- ensuring a perfect fit -- down to the thread.

• Experience - Most men don't know how to shop, don't have time to shop or don't care to shop in general. We utilize our mobile app to send local experienced Outfitters to customers’ homes or offices for 30-minute fittings where they take measurements, gather style preferences and provide tailored wardrobe consultations. The Trumaker experience starts from the beginning; once we have your measurements, everything you buy comes built or sized for you, so you have the benefits of online without worrying about size.
   

CW: What are some of the menswear brands that participate in Trumaker?

ML: No menswear brands participate in Trumaker. We are an independent company that strives to provide the everyday man with carefully crafted, classic but still unique and perfectly fitted shirts. Some have said we are "J. Crew cut for you." Our shirts that may be similarly priced as J. Crew's, but we are an upgrade because we save men the trouble of discovering the right fit or taking a shirt in to get tailored.

CW: Can you tell us more about the mobile app?

ML: Our outfitters use the mobile app to take orders. Technology is #1 for our Outfitters; there is a lot of technology involved in building a shopping platform that can take precise measurements and translate those numbers into a tangible product. What contributes to our company's uniqueness is that we are powered by mobile technology to streamline a process that should be innately simple for the customer -- getting a great fitting shirt.

CW: Anything else you want to share with my readers?

ML: Trumaker's business is going very well. We currently have Outfitters in 10 cities nationwide (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Nashville and New York) and the company is on track to quadruple its sales from last year, growing 20% month over month. We currently offer built-to-fit shirts for both work and play and just recently launched blazers, as well as a complete ready-to-wear line of luxury tees, cashmere sweaters and accessories. We plan to own a greater share of a customer’s closet over time, using our measurement and sizing data to build a smart assortment of ready-to-wear items to complement our built-to-fit offerings.

Fashion Bloggers Night Out for Toys for Tots

Hi lovelies,

On December 4th, 2014, Swank Stylista and Vic Styles partnered with the Emblem Showroom, MediaPlayground PR, and Toys for Tots to create a night of fashion, style, mingling, pampering, yummy drinks, and delicious eats. The soiree was for a good cause as all attendees was asked to bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, a non-profit organization that gives toys and gifts to children in need during the holiday season.

The night was filled fashion and beauty stations along with burgers and vegan sides provided by Stuff Em, lightly flavored water by Hint, my favorite flavor was Honeydew, and House beer. The brands that participated included Alberto Pants, Azul by Moussy USA, Bou Jeloud, Bravery For All, ExoFab, Focused Space, Priv, Inder Dhillon, J Leer, Kennington Ltd, Matiasen, Matiere, Original Paperbacks, Pocket Square Clothing, Pret-a-Porter Designs, My Single Dress, SWF Boutique, and Thread Haus.

My breakout brands and experiences of the evening were:

Inder Dhillon: The Pretty Tomboy is my favorite collection by the fashion brand, especially the punk sequins look.

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SWF Boutique: The collection was inspired by the movie, “Single White Female,” and has pretty prints and solids.

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Priv: It's the 'Uber of mobile beauty.' You can pick which make-up, stylist, or beautician you want to come to you and/or your party for a night of pampering, primping, and fun! 

Vigoss: Premium denim that won't break the bank

Hi lovelies,

One gift that never goes out of style is the perfect pair of premium denim jeans. Luckily for us, premium denim brand, Vigoss offers an array silhouettes, cuts, colors, and washes that are both comfortable and affordable. A great pair of women's jeans that fit like a glove, is like a best friend, once you find one you hold on for dear life.

In addition to offering the perfect fit at an affordable price, Vigoss jeans are also made from 100% US cotton. Whether your super slim or sexy and voluptuous, you can find a pair of denim jeans that's right for you as the sizes range from 24-32 and comes in silhouettes from skinny, straight, capri, boot cut, Bermuda, and short. You can pick up your very own pair of Vigoss jeans at vigossusa.com, Dillard's, and at Nordstrom's.

You can also stay up-to-date on the latest fashion and denim finds from Vigoss by following their Twitter (@VigossUSA) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VigossUSA).

Check out how I style my favorite pair of Chelsea High Rise Skinny Vigoss premium denim jeans:

I'm obsessed with the 70's so I love tucking in my black tank top and light pink polka dot silk tank into my Chelsea High Rise Vigoss Skinny Jeans to achieve a lust-worthy, high-waisted look.

To accessorize the look, I rock a silver, super-long feather necklace with cement colored platform wedges from Fergie's shoe line. 

For the finishing touch on the outfit, I'm sporting a classic black floppy felt hat by J.Crew and a smokey eye, natural lip, and a little blush for a complete and polished 70's inspired look. 

*Presented by Vigoss