All posts tagged New York City

Q&A and $200 Giveaway with Beauty Army!

by Franci Gire on May 6, 2012 in Health & Beauty

A Sample Size Q&A Lindsey Guest, Founder & CEO of Beauty Army

I’ve been following Beauty Army since its beauty debut in January 2012. Marching out with full force this luxury beauty sampling company founded by Lindsey Guest, is similar to other box beauty sampling services you may have become familiar with, the difference being 6 healthy sized samples selected by YOU for $12 delivered to your door each month.

The response and fan base has been exciting to watch grow and they really provide you with a community of beauty enthusiasts that truly want to help you pick the best products for your buck. Not only do you learn about the products before you select them, but you get a little info on the product distributors as well. Everything is set up to help you. Even beauty bloggers and vloggers have contributed their selections and reviews each month.

I had the opportunity to interview Lindsey for MODE. I hope you find her story inspiring and the enthusiasm about Beauty Army contagious!

M: When did you get the idea for Beauty Army?

LG:I was working as a freelance makeup artist in New York City and in Boston, working daily with professional models. They told me what a difficult time they had finding the right beauty products. I thought that if professional models had trouble finding and buying beauty products then there was no hope for the everyday woman and viola! Beauty Army was born!

M: Did you always want to work in the beauty industry? What was the inspiration to switch careers after receiving your MBA?

LG: I was always fascinated with the beauty industry. I find makeup inspirational and artistic. It can increase self-esteem and bring art into the lives of the everyday woman. I always wanted to be in the business of beauty but was never sure how. I completed my Masters Degree in Integrated Marketing and Communication and then decided to dive into the world of beauty because there is where my passion is. I attended the Bobbi Brown school of makeup artistry in Boston, MA and began my 2 year career as a freelance makeup artist working primarily on fashion photo shoots. It was during this time that I came up with the idea for Beauty Army and finally found a way to be involved in the business of beauty and help women discover the best products for them based on their own individual needs.

Running Beauty Army bring so much happiness into my life because I get to bring it into the lives of others. That’s why I work non stop to make Beauty Army the absolute best beauty discovery company out there.

M: Since founding Beauty Army, what’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a business owner and entrepreneur?

LG: KEEP GOING! That’s definitely my mantra. Everyday is different and presents its own unique challenges. If you truly believe that what you are doing will make a difference and it’s what you’re supposed to be doing then….keep doing it and KEEP GOING!

M: What about Beauty Army separates it from other, similar businesses that provide bundles of monthly beauty product samples?

LG: Our members can choose their samples! This eliminates wasted samples and provides a much better service to both our partner beauty brands and to our members. We have created a beauty community and allow our members to review their samples. This helps them determine if they want to buy the full size.

M: What’s something you do behind the scenes for Beauty Army that we don’t know about?

LG: I art direct and cast all of our photo shoots and do most of the makeup. I’m also very hands on. There isn’t one aspect of Beauty Army that I’m not involved in.

M: What’s the most common mistake you find that women make with their makeup?

LG: I find that women get stuck in a makeup routine that takes the fun out of makeup. Discovering new ways of applying makeup and new products is what makes makeup fun. Remember-variety is the spice of life!

M: If you were going through airport security and the TSA was only going to let you keep one thing from your makeup bag, what would you keep?

LG: Lip gloss.

M: Do you find that women have intense loyalty to certain beauty products? What have you found to be the most popular products?

LG: I have found that women are loyal to certain brands but all of them are willing to try something new. The beauty industry is filled with innovation and women know that. Most don’t want to use what their grandmother used. We have lots of popular products but the most popular has to be the Shea Terra Deep Pore Facial Cleanser.

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M: Do you think there’s demand to expand the Beauty Army concept to men’s products?

LG: Oh yes! We already allow our members to select men’s products in the beauty profile!

M: Last, what can be expected in year two from Beauty Army?

LG: BIG BIG things but you’ll have to wait and see. I can tell you that we have some very exciting things in store for our members!

Beauty Army wants YOU to join the revolution, fyi, it’s probably the most fab army ever.

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The Flat is Back!

by Rachel Dixon on April 12, 2012 in Fashion

After returning from a recent trip to New York City I must admit that my reluctance to wear flats has waned significantly. My tootsies were really killing me after a few days of hard walking in my most comfortable non-flat shoes, and yet super-chic city girls in their myriad flats surrounded me. Color me inspired! I cannot wait to pair some easy flats with my slim fit chinos and capris.

My go-to brand, J.Crew has opened:

Their website showcases their collection of flats, and I may have to pick up a pair of these perfect striped flats here:

Once it becomes warm enough to wear shorts, I will pair them with something unexpected like these snakeskin embossed Sperry Top Sider loafers:

And lastly, because I always want a bit of sparkle, these Maria Sharapova for Cole Haan flats in gunmetal sparkle:

They all look so darn comfortable! My feet will thank me, I’m sure.

Ruthie Davis Spikes It Up!

by Hasti Kashfia on April 6, 2011 in Designer

Every rose has a thorn, but these thorns you won’t want to pluck. Shoe designer Ruthie Davis has perfected the definition of spiked heels with her collection of foot weaponry for Spring 2011. These shoes are artwork for the confident, modern woman with a sporty edge – a trendsetter. Her edgy creations have been seen on celebrities such as Fergie, Catt Sadler, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.

Ruthie Davis has always had a shoe fetish, which only a career in shoes could support. She began making shoes after working in the shoe industry and noticing a void in risky footwear. With a degree in Visual Arts, Ruthie Davis uses her talent in watercolors, sketching and painting to create her shoes. Her MBA in Entrepreneurship helps her account for running a successful shoe empire.

As a woman designing for women, Ruthie Davis is inspired by what women want and what makes us look sexy, confident and gorgeous.

“I check out all the women I see on the street every day,” Ruthie told POSHGLAM. “I am also obsessed by modern architecture because of the clean lines and structure. I love living in New York City – where I walk by modern skyscrapers every day.”

Her architectural inspirations are evident in each design, as Ruthie Davis says she thinks of each shoe as a little building. Shoes aren’t the only things she is building. Ruthie launched handbags for Spring 2011 with the same modern aesthetic, added sneakers to her Fall 2o11 Collection and just finished filming a reality show.

Source: Poshglam

Prabal Gurung-Neiman Marcus Palo Alto

by Hasti Kashfia on November 8, 2010 in Celebrity Spotlight, Designer, Events, Fashion, Local

Designer Prabal Gurung had an apperance at Neiman Marcus in Palo Alto this week showcasing his Spring Summer 2011 collection. I had the oppurtunity to sit down with Gurung to discuss his collection, clients, and see him in action with those that came to see his clothes, but ended up falling for Gurung too.

Prabal was born in Singapore but was raised in Nepal, where his parents still reside. After spending time in India, Australia, and the U.K. he moved to New York City in 1999. He proceeded to work under Donna Karan while attending Parson’s School of Designs. His first year he was awarded the Best Designer at the Parsons/FIT design competition. Following graduation he worked as part of the Cynthia Rowley team, and then spent time under Bill Blass before launching his very successful line.

Since the launch of his first collection he’s become a favorite amongst A-list celebrities like Demi Moore, Kate Hudson, and the First Lady Michelle Obama. Top names in the fashion industry like Rachel Zoe, have taken interest in his brilliant designs as have fashion conscious women in every town he visits.

During the presentation on Wednesday, the attention to detail was instantly evident in his clothes which contained brilliant color blocking, embeleshments, cutout details, and breathtaking fabrics from Europe and cashemeres from his native Nepal. Every model that came out was received by the crowd with almost a sparkle in their eye. Within minutes of the show’s end all the racks were emptied and clothes were being ripped off the models. By the end of the trunk show a very humble and kind Gurung had spent time with each client, and each was happy with the pieces that would be arriving just in time for Spring.

You don’t need a crystal ball to see what the future holds for this young, brilliant designer. His charming smile, humble spirit, and jaw dropping designs are a combination that the industry doesn’t see often–but it’s sure to be one that will continue to take this powerhouse to the next level.

A special thanks to Neiman Marcus in Palo Alto for hosting this fantastic event, and to Prabal Gurung for his time and brilliant designs.

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