Join me at StyleCon, the premier beauty and fashion event in Orange County next month. The day will be filled with pop up shops, beauty makeovers, presentations and interactive programming with your fave social influencers (StyleEbrities) on the Style Stage hosted by OC blogger Alyssa. Hope to see you there! When is StyleCon? Saturday, November 7, 2015 What time is StyleCon? 10:00am � 4:00pm Location: The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, California 92626 Parking: OC Fair & Event Center lots $7 cash Tickets: $29-$79 general admission and gift bag
When I was invited to the exclusive preview of MAC Cosmetics' latest collab with Chinese designer Guo Pei hosted by M�A�C Director of Makeup Artistry Gregory Arlt, I knew I had to attend and see the collection for myself at South Coast Plaza. Last year, MAC celebrated their Heirloom Mix collection launch with a huge live model performance and presentation. I was completely blown away by all the detail that went into presenting the collection.
This collection preview was no different, four of Guo Pei's haute couture designs were flown in and assembled (which I was told took 10 hours), the dresses themselves each took at least 10,000 hours (that's a little over a year) to create and make. What stood out the most about this collaboration was how each design possessed the most fascinating details and immaculate embellishments as well as how the designs were incorporated into the makeup collection. You get a mix of neutrals as well as pops of color like red and blue.
I had my makeup refreshed by artist Andrew, and he added a nude, mauve lipstick with a peach glass over it; blush and my face was highlighted with the powder/blush brush. I was immediately in love with ALL of the products that were used, and was surprised at how precise the highlighting powder was applied to my face with the Guo Pei powder brush. The collection is romantic, whimsical, yet bold; Guo Pei's designs are also incorporated into the makeup collection with the silk packaging of each product. It's simply exquisite and you must purchase an item or a few before it's all sold out! And you must also visit the MAC x Guo Pei exhibit at South Coast Plaza from October 1st-4th, 2015; this is the first time the collection is on display to the public!
Check out this interview with the designer Guo Pei:
How did the M�A�C Guo Pei collaboration come about?
M�A�C is the authority in makeup and trends. In 2003, when I was preparing for my first show in China, the first brand that I wanted to work with was M�A�C.It was a dream came true that I teamed up with M�A�C for the first time on my show. It has since been 12 years; the next step to collaborate on a makeup collection with MAC was a natural and organic progression.It was the perfect collaboration based on our mutual understanding and relationship of many years.
What was your inspiration for the MAC collaboration? How was the process of creating a line of cosmetics different from when you create your clothes?
I call my inspiration �The Garden of Soul�. Everyone has a space in their heart where we cherish beautiful things with our eyes, and we plant them like seeds in our spiritual garden.The flowers blossom and we find happiness within them. Through my 30 years of career in fashion, I always find unique ways to express myself. This is the first time I collaborated with a makeup brand. M�A�C complete freedom in bring my vision to life.
You created eight couture dresses to accompany the collection.Can you tell us more about them?
The design process is more like an enjoyment rather than work for me.I create those dresses at the same time as the M�A�C Guo Pei makeup collection. I imagine myself in the garden, enjoying the romance of the flowers. I designed the dresses three years ago on a beautiful afternoon when I felt really happy � a feeling that I want to convey in my designs. It took me two years to produce those eight looks. I felt these dresses complemented this collection perfectly, unifying fashion and beauty.
How did you this translate your experience in fashion to makeup?
There are a lot of similarities between makeup and clothes. For me, they are both a way to express our happiness. That�s why we need colours when creating both. Colours express our feelings; I used a variety of hues in my clothes and in this makeup collection to convey my emotions.
What was your inspiration when choosing the colours and products for this collection?
The colours I selected for this collection can be divided into daytime makeup and evening makeup. I chose a striking blue shade for the eyes, evoking the colour of the soul. I like to express happiness through my love for flowers and the spiritual garden. That�s why in all the blushes and powders there is gleam of shimmer in them. I want to deliver the feeling of happiness through this makeup collection.
Which of the 16 products do you feel most fond of and why?
My one favorite product is the eye shadow quad, especially the blue one. Blue is a very bold colour, also my favorite. For me, it is also the colour of the mind and spirit. I hope women today can add a little bit of blue in their eye makeup so people can connect through their eyes into their souls.
Yes, you read right, I am absolutely rockin' the fanny pack. It's always a trip to see trends recycle and how they are given a present day twist. I remember growing up with fanny packs in neon colors, or if you wanted a more 'timeless' look, you wore a leather one. Now, with so many trends and style inspirations at our fingertips and surrounding us in mainstream media, styles such as the fanny pack are making a comeback seamlessly. I found this aztec-inspired printed fanny pack from Forever 21 (and it was on sale too, score!). Unfortunately I couldn't find the style online to link to it, but I found this similar style. What trends are you seeing come back around that you're excited to wear again, or try?!
I'm breaking into the Fall 2015 season with new hair! Since I let my hair completely fade and was looking for a new look, I decided to try dark indigo and rich magenta colors. I was worried that it may turn out too bright, but the colors came out dark and vibrant enough. Staying on trend, I ordered this lace up long sleeve top and denim button front skirt since I had been seeing it EVERYWHERE. Also, a girl can never have too many hats, so I was excited to add this statement fedora hat to my wardrobe, although it was a little awkward fitting (which I believe is due to how it was shipped in a soft bag instead of a box to keep its shape). I received the most amazing Mexican beach blankets from Las Bayadas, and since I couldn't hit up the beach, I took one of my blankets to The Lab in Costa Mesa for post-lunch (with babe Renee who also took these photos) lounging. Not only do the towels have beautiful stripe patterns, they are made from recycled towels and the company gives back by donating 10% of the profits of each towel sold to its eco-friendly partner, the Costa Verde International School, to support a scholarship program for its local �green" Mexican students. The blankets are huge, soft, and kept me warm when I took it out to the field to watch an evening soccer game. To sum it up for entering this fall season in Orange County/Southern California, you need a fabulous hat for fall (once it starts to cool down); if you have the option to dye your hair try a new color in the dark pinks, purples, and blues family; retro elements such as the round sunglasses, lace up top and button down skirt front are more popular than ever; and grab yourself an amazing blanket towel to lay out at the beach, poolside, or wrap around you when it's chillier.
Happy Friday everyone! There's still time to hit up the OC Fair's One Big Party before it's gone! How could you go this summer without riding fair rides, eating something fried, and winning ridiculous large plushies, all while in the gorgeous OC surroundings. There's also a great roster of programming and events, check out all the info on OC Fair's website!
OC Fair 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92626 Hours Friday: Noon-Midnight Saturday-Sunday: 10 am-Midnight Admission & Parking Info There is also parking available at the nearby school lots (some are paid, others are free; I parked at Orange County College and it was complimentary) To avoid the congestion and back up off of the 55 Freeway / Fair Dr. exit, exit the freeway at fairview off of the 405 N or S.
You may have seen that I celebrated the Summer Solstice with Renee at Grand Marnier's Summer Solstice Party at the Roosevelt Hollywood. Before that, I had gotten to attend a Grand Marnier tasting with Andrew at the Center Club in Costa Mesa. Prior to the formal tasting and dinner, we had small bites and Grand Marnier cocktails. Once we sat down for dinner we were taken through an amazing 5 courses accompanied by the Grand Marnier Grand Cuvee Collection and Fine Marnier Lapostelle Wines, hosted and curated by Master Distiller Patrick Rageunaud. I enjoyed learning about the history and craftsmanship of Grand Marnier all from the Master Distiller himself; there's really a sense of pride and passion that goes into every step of making cognac and wines. I like that Grand Marnier's cognacs have unique and signature tropical orange notes, and Andrew and I couldn't stop raving about the Lapostelle Wines; we tasted the Clos Apalta and Chateau Sancerre, both from Chile. Each dish served by the Center Club wasn't better than the next, but a phenomenal flurry of flavors individually and with the cognac or wine pairing. My favorites included a perfectly seared scallop as well as goat cheese beignets on a bed of asparagus. Learn more about Grand Marnier here and the Center Club here. Photos taken by Olga Mironova
Join me at StyleCon, the premier beauty and fashion event in Orange County next month. The day will be filled with pop up shops, beauty makeovers, presentations and interactive programming with your fave social influencers (StyleEbrities) on the Style Stage hosted by OC blogger Alyssa. Hope to see you there! 
