Interview and invite with Emmy® Award winning stylist & best-selling author, David Zyla

Hi lovelies,

I wanted to invite my NYC peeps to the very fashionable book launch of "How to Win at Shopping, written by Emmy® Award winning stylist & best-selling author, David Zyla! Event details are below:

What: HOW TO WIN AT SHOPPING – Presentation, Book Signing, & Style Readings 

Who: David Zyla, Emmy® Award-winning Stylist and Best-Selling Author

Where: Theresa Lang Theatre, Marymount Manhattan College
221 East 71st Street, New York, NY 10021

When: Wednesday, February 4, 2015, 6:30 p.m.

RSVP: Due to the anticipated demand, we recommend sending a RSVP to Caitlin Kirklin at CKirklin@mmm.edu.

Did I mention that David will be doing personal style readings?

I was also lucky enough to snag an exclusive interview with David - check it out below!

Hi David, what was your inspiration behind the book, "How to Win at Shopping?”
My book Color Your Style was groundbreaking in a sense. While other books have been written about using specific palettes of color, none had made it a completely customized experience linked with personality traits and a strategic way to implement color for various outcomes in one’s day-to-day life. I then discovered that once my readers discovered what it was that they were looking for, I wanted to give them a strategy and as to how to find it via brick and mortar or online. That was the impulse for How to Win at Shopping!

What have been some of your most memorable styling moments?
That is not so easy to answer, as I love what I do, and there have been so many amazing moments from designing a Broadway musical where half of the cast was hearing impaired to designing for a First Lady to twelve years in daytime and nighttime television and being recognized for it by my peers with an Emmy Award!

Do you foresee any cool new fashion trends popping up? If so, how can we incorporate them into our own personal style?
Fashion is at one of it’s greatest periods, and it is because there is tremendous variety. The past few seasons have offered a plethora of styles in a wide color palette. I really think that the internet and our exposure to global fashion has been responsible. 

As for upcoming trends, trouser suits, flowy and midriff-baring evening wear  as well as suede, gingham, denim and fringe are all important.

Who are some of your favorite celebrities to style?
I have had the great fortune of working with so many amazing people from Oscar winners to super models. I think I have a real soft spot for Ana Ortiz, Susan Lucci and Carol Burnett, all extraordinary collaborators (who each generously gave fabulous quotes for How to Win at Shopping)!

I know that you are a master at style readings, what goes into giving one?
When I was five years old I realized that I had this knack for looking at a person and instinctively knowing which clothing looked most like “them”. I then studied design and color in depth at New York University and other places, fine-tuning my ideas and philosophies. Now I can look at someone and read their True Colors (those found in the eyes, hair and skin) like a map of their personality and discern the absolute best colors, styles, fabrics and patterns on the spot!

What's your favorite styling tip?
My philosophy is that we do not need to look further than ourselves to find the best styles, so take the shape of your chin and repeat it in  your neckline and find a “kapow” color, by pinching the tip of your finger and compare it to the lipstick testers at a cosmetic counter to determine your best version of red!

Anything else that you would like to share with my readers?
You can win at shopping by knowing what it is you are looking for. There is nothing wrong with recreational shopping, but if your objective is to emerge from the mall, boutique or flash sale with fabulous finds, take a look at your own closet prior and note the items you wear the most, and create a list of necklines, hem length, fabrics, colors and patterns to look for. If you have a winning formula, repeat it!

What's next for you and where can we go to connect with you?
It’s a busy time! The book tour is just starting and that means interviews, events, curating fashion websites and a sweepstakes! That is in addition to my extensive travel throughout the US and Europe consulting with private clients! I am also working on a new book.

Get fashionably fit with Augusta Sportswear

Hi lovelies,

As you all know I am the quintessential health and fitness nut. I love finding a new trail to hike, checking out the new Pilates class at my gym, snacking on almonds, drinking Suja juices, and going for my running with the sunrise as my backdrop. What I may love even more is finding new workout and activewear gear to sport while staying happy, fit, and healthy. Luckily for me, I have Augusta Sportswear to rock in the New Year while out on my new adventures.

Of course I want to share the skinny on August Sportswear with you all and how you can snag your own gear to rock this year while fulfilling your health and fitness resolutions. Check out my review of Augusta Sportswear's Small Active Kit.

Ladies Jazzy Open Back Tank:
This top feels so soft and I love the shininess and breathability of the fabric as well which is perfect for working out at the gym or grabbing a run or hike outside. The bright lime colors against the black is also great for being spotted while jogging outside after hours.

LDS Action Color Block Capri:
Ever since I moved to Los Angeles to New York City I've been able to embrace the warmer weather and taking advantage of hiking the trails of Runyon Canyon. What I love about the Augusta Sportswear capri pant is that I don't have to yank up the bottoms when the temperature rises during my workout like I have to do with my longer workout pants. The length of the capri pants is perfect for when it's hotter outside and I don't want to wear shorts but long pants are too cumbersome. I also wear a knee brace these days which fits perfectly over the thinness of the capri pants.

Augusta Sportswear Duffle Bag:
The design is a throwback to the classic 80's aerobics theme and is perfect for stashing your protein bars, water bottles, extra clothes, sneakers, magazines, and more.

Enter to win your own Large Active Kit! Details are below: DEADLINE TO ENTER IS JANUARY 25, 2014! ENTER NOW! 

• One female winner will receive a female kit!
• One male winner will receive a male kit!
• The giveaway is open to US residents only.
• Styles/colors of the giveaway items may vary based on availability.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This post is sponsored by Augusta Sportswear, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

2015 GBK's Golden Globes Celebrity Gift Lounge

Hi lovelies,

One of my favorite things about Award Season is all of the fun parties, soirees, beauty booths, fashion events, and gifting suites. GBK's Golden Globes Celebrity Gift Lounge held at the W Hotel Hollywood did not disappoint this year and had something every celeb and Golden Globe nominee would love.

Pilot Pen, which offers state-of-the-art writing instruments and is famously known for their innovative designs, performance, quality, and customer satisfaction, featured their Vanishing Point fountain pen that is retractable and the FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Ink 8 Pack Pouch that is changing the game in erasable pen technology.

See below for the breakout brands at the event:

The Artisan Group: The Artisan Group is a privately curated community of skilled artisans, young and old, and from around the world. Some of my favorite gifts included pieces from Studio Jewel by Lisa Lehmann, Four Black Paws, Helen's Adornmments, Nature's Splendour, Beaded by Sandra, Smokey Mountain Lacquers, Megs Broken Wings, Ophelia Jaine, Blvd. Cosmetics, Estylo Jewelry, Pure Lather, Naked Planet Jewelry, Boy Cherie, Brosily Bath and Body, Katie Vaz Design, Ellison's Organics, and SassyBelleWares.

Westland Jewelry: Meeting the beauty and the brains behind Westland Jewelry, Melissa Corre, was simply a pleasure at the event. I'm obsessed with the gold rings that I was gifted and I can't wait to get more pieces to add to my collection. Made locally in LA, each collection consists of wearable art consisting of sculptural pieces created by freehand with unique textures, details, waxes, and metals.

My Candy Basket: For a yummy and healthy treat, My Candy Basket lets you create your own basket full of treats ranging from white pearl gumballs, swiss petit fruits, chocolate covered raisins, diamond truffles, and more. Even the design of the basket, paper, trims, and color palette are hand-selected and crafted for their clients.

Brave Chick: One of my favorite booths was definitely Brave Chick. I wanted every single piece that was on display of beautifully designed and crafted rings, bracelets, and necklaces. However, what I was even more impressed by than just the pretty pieces was Brave Chick's mission to inspire and promote women's strength, individuality, and authenticity – a portion of its proceeds goes to charities that support marginalized girls and women.

Burke Williams: I was definitely spoiled during my complimentary massage provided by Burke Williams during the event. My arms, shoulders, and back melted while I was in the chair and I cannot wait to go to the spa and enjoy even more pampering. You can treat yourself to cutting-edge beauty and body products sold at the spa to get the star treatment at-home.

Bare Organic Mixers: Move over Skinny Girl, the new cocktails on the scene are the yummy concoctions mixed with Bare Organic Mixers. You can make organic, low-calorie, and gluten-free drinks from Margaritas, Pom Cran Cosmos, Pom Tequila-tinis, Old Fashioneds, Mimosas, to Lemon Drops and more.

SHEEX: SHEEX lets you sleep on the world's first performance fabric sheets. Inspired by athletes, SHEEX helps you get your beauty rest so you are picture perfect for your close-up or ready to face any day well-rested and energized.

Beyond the Rack: As an actor and fashion writer, one thing I love to do is shop and discover new fashion finds to change up my look and wardrobe. Beyond the Rack offers everything from clothes, home décor, beauty, shoes, and fashion from top designer name brands at up to 80% off. I'm ready to nab a new statement necklace, little black dress, sparkly purse, and heels for a girl's night on the town.

Creeper Crawlers: I am beyond stoked to send my 9-month old niece the pink onesie I scored from Creeper Crawlers during the event. Creeper Crawlers is the first brand to create development clothing for babies with its patented “Easy Grip Crawl Suit” which features tiny gripper bugs on the feet and knees to provide the optimal amount of traction on today's floor surfaces that lets your baby crawl around easily and safely.  

Your ultimate Pilot Season Guide and Checklist

Hi lovelies,

With pilot season just around the corner, I wanted to share with you all my Pilot Season Survival Guide and Checklist. I booked a pilot for MTV last season but it didn’t get picked up and I’m more determined now than ever to book another one that sticks. I hope my guide and checklist below is helpful to you as well on your journey to taking pilot season by storm!

Pilot Season Guide and Checklist

Get your mind right:

Make sure that your head is in the game and that you’re focused. I recommend meditating, doing yoga, pilates, and working out. Keeping a journal also helps and having people around you that you trust that you can confide in and go to for guidance. There can a lot of pressure for actors to get in the room and book during pilot season and it can be easy to get discouraged or negative if you things aren’t moving as quickly as you would like.

Being in a good place mentally and having a positive energy/vibe will also help you to book work and ideally a pilot. Remember that your energy walks in the room even before you do, or before you open your mouth. What you are projecting – confidence, positivity or desperation, negativity – can make or break your audition whether or not you are the best actor in the world.

Get your representation right:

I’m a firm believer that no representation is better than the wrong representation. However, I also advocate if it’s possible, to get the best team on your side prior to pilot season, whether it’s an agent, manager, or both, that really believes in you, has the right connections to get you in the room, and is willing to push for you.

If you can’t get the right team on your side, don’t fret. This just means that you have to be the perfect agent or manager for yourself! Even if you have an awesome team, you still should be doing this while keeping the lines of communication open with your representation. This means getting the breakdowns and pitching yourself for auditions in respectful ways to casting directors, producers, and writers. The one caveat here is make sure that you are mindful to be respectful in your pitching. Treat them as human beings and know what value you add to the situation. Don’t overstep boundaries, be proactive but not pushy.

Find audition sides, tape them, and submit them to casting, but I would only do this if you are really perfect for the role, the quality of your audition tape is high, and you can get it to casting in a respectful way.

Get your marketing materials right:

Make sure that your marketing materials are on point and are true and accurate representations of what you currently look like and what your brand stands for, as these will be crucial tools for you to use during pilot season. This meanings everything from your hard copies to your social media sites.

Marketing Tools Checklist:

• Head shots (digital and hard copies)
• Website
• IMDbPro profile
• Postcards
• Thank You cards
• Business Cards
• Twitter profile
• Facebook profile
• LinkedIn profile

Get your strategy right: 

Get informed on the pilots that are casting, who’s casting them, what networks they are attached to, who the key showrunners are, and who is already signed on to star on them. Then make a list of the pilots that you want to audition for and make a plan with your representation to get into the room and be sure to see if you have any connections that can assist you on landing an audition as well. Do casting workshops with the casting directors and be sure to follow-up with them according.

Get your craft right:

Stay in class or get in a class. Best case scenario is that you will be running from auditions to callbacks and won’t even have time to memorize lines because you’re so busy being seen. This is where honing your craft comes into play so that you are just ready to tackle those auditions with ease and just enjoy yourself in the room. I would definitely recommend taking an audition technique class and an improv class.

Happy pilot season! If you found this article helpful, please comment below, share with your friends and tweet @CandyWashington.

Lindsay Lohan and Space Inch release new gaming app: Lindsay Lohan's "The Price of Fame"

Hi lovelies,

Lindsay Lohan may be giving Kim Kardashian a run for her money in the gaming app world. Lindsay and Space Inch just launched their new gaming app, "Lindsay Lohan's The Price of Fame." Check out the full scoop on the new app below and let me know what you think! What are you willing to pay for your 15 minutes in the limelight?

A Fun Sassy Spoof On Celebrity Culture Available Now in the App Store "Best New Games" and in Google Play

Lindsay Lohan today announced the release of her new mobile game, "Lindsay Lohan's The Price of Fame." Designed as a parody on celebrity culture and paparazzi, Price of Fame, enables players to become world famous celebrities by creating a virtual self that can purchase outfits, accessories, toys and even pets. 

"I love this game and am happy to be part of it. It's so much fun!" said Lohan. 

The game was developed by Lohan and Space Inch, makers of popular titles "Make it Rain" and "Say the Same Thing."  Both of which have garnered millions of downloads. 

"I'm thrilled to have worked with Space Inch on this. Programmer Andy Ross, guitarist of OK Go, did a great job. He understood what I wanted and the game captures a great part of culture and our current media society. This app is humerous, smart, and engaging," said Lohan.  

Lindsay Lohan's The Price of Fame is available now in the App Store "Best News Games," in Google Play, and at Amazon.

To get the new app and share your thoughts and experiences, check out the links below:

• App Store: appstore.com/lindsay 
• Google Play: http://bit.ly/13dTwnk
• Game Screenshots: http://bit.ly/1yBcXyk
• Game Trailer: http://bit.ly/12zQsRG
• Lohan website: official.lindsaylohan.com
• Lohan IG: @lindsaylohan
• Lohan Twitter: @lindsaylohan
• Lohan Facebook facebook.com/lindsaylohan
  

My curated top street style looks from ELLE magazine

Hi lovelies,

ELLE magazine just put out a list of the top 50 Street Style Moments from 2014. Below is my curated favorites from their list! You can view on the full list here, compiled by Danielle Prescod. 

Which looks are your favorite?

Look 60's chic with Mathiasen Designs

Hi lovelies,

We all know that one of my favorite decades is the 60's. The outrageous prints, long scarves, Mod motifs, and of course, the laissez faire approach to life and style. With that said, it's no surprise that I immediately fell in love this blood orange blazer and short ensemble from Mathiasen. 

After perusing some of my favorite fashion magazines from Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, to ELLE, I decided to style the chic look with a casual black tank, a black felt hat, and a pair of black velvet super skinny black stilettos. 

How I style my favorite look from Mathiasen:

Let me know what you think of the look, what your favorite magazines are, and which decade inspires you the most! 

Must-have holiday stocking stuffers for the fashionista and beauty guru on your list

Hi lovelies,

With the holiday season now in full swing, I wanted to share with you some last-minute must-have gifts and treats to give the fashionista and beauty guru on your list! Happy holidays! 

Cate McNabb Cosmetics | Cheeky Holiday Lips
Cate McNabb is excited to launch their (first ever) 2014 Holiday Collection -- filled with six unique holiday sets! Two, new red lipsticks in a satin matte finish, will be emboldening the collections in All Pinned Up and Blood Orange. These classic, matte reds put the sass in your ‘pout, but not on your champagne glass. Perfect for setting any mood for all seasonal occasions, this collection was expertly selected to convey the holiday spirit with better-for-you ingredients and bold and beautiful hues.

Foot Cardigan | Surprising Socks  
Foot Cardigan sends a new pair of delightfully unique socks, for just $9 a month. EVERY. SINGLE. MONTH. Even more delightful? You don’t get to choose what pair you get! Think of it this way: as a Foot Cardigan gift-giver, your friends get to play the sock lottery and win every time. Foot Cardigan’s scientific sock selection process guarantees that an instant conversation starter will always be conveniently located just below your knees. Sock subscriptions are available for men, women, and now kiddos, and you can easily get the party started by clicking here.

Swell Caroline | Bold, Bright & Bedazzled
Swell Caroline costume jewelry delights in all things bright, colorful and monogrammed! Their fun and classic styles are just as lovely to gift as to receive. From Cable Cuff Bracelets to Sunburst Earrings, there’s a fresh style for every girl on your list.

Everbody Sparkles with Très Chic Boutique - Contest!

Hi lovelies, 

Based in New York City, Très Chic Boutique is your one-stop for glitz, glam, and sparkles this holiday season and beyond.

I wanted to share with you all a new contest with the fab boutique! More info and guidelines are below!

“Très Chic Boutique is the chic destination for the girl that loves to sparkle! 

We believe that true style is all in the details and that accessories are the best way to effortlessly update outfits that are already in your closet. 

At Très Chic Boutique we aim to provide the glittering accents necessary to live a très chic life. Live. Love. Sparkle.”

Everyone who enters the "Everybody Sparkles" contest becomes a winner! 

Contest Rules:

1.      Sign up at this link: http://www.treschicny.com/pages/email

2.      Follow @treschicny on Instagram: http://instagram.com/treschicny

3.      Comment on your post as to which items are their favorite

 All entrants will receive a $5, $10 or $15 gift card via email!!

2015 Ford Trend Report Explores Generation Z: Interview with Sheryl Connelly

Hi lovelies,

Just in time for New Year’s, consumers nationwide are wondering what habits and behaviors are expected to shape the coming year and beyond. This December, Ford will be releasing its third annual trend report, Looking Further with Ford, revealing predictions about consumer habits and behaviors expected to shape 2015 and beyond.
 
The report highlights 10 global consumer trends for the new year and explores how Generation Z, despite being too young to be universally recognized as a traditional cohort, is shaping the world we live in today and tomorrow.

Watch my interview with Ford’s Global Trends and Futuring manager Sheryl Connelly as she highlights these themes and trends from the 2015 Looking Further with Ford Trend Book.