A NEW YEAR - AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED!

The beginning of a new year is a time for many to make resolutions to feel and to look better and therefore they might start a new beauty or skincare routine. Trying new products is also driven in part by companies introducing new and highlighting existing products via advertising, emails, gift with purchase and other marketing techniques such as social media posts.

For me, a new year also means keeping products that have served me well. Rather than exploring new products in January I took advantage of a several beauty promotions and bought items that have been successful for me in 2023. Favorites are those providing medium to full coverage and last a long time.

Below are some of my favorites. For one stop shopping convenience, all are available at Nordstrom.

• Shampoo and Conditioner - Bleu (R+Co)

• Foundation - Make Up Forever

• Eyeliner - Trish McEvoy

• Lipstick - Dior

Starting from the top-- this shampoo and conditioner duo are great for colored hair.

Bleu (R+Co) Primary Color Shampoo is a fantastic product for colored hair that makes the locks shiny and provides hydration.

Link is here: http://tinyurl.com/bdhzn75j

(R+Co) Primary Color Conditioner provides deep hydration and maintains the vibrancy of the color. The link is here: http://tinyurl.com/54rh44fp

Foundation that lasts a full day could be difficult to find. What works for one person might not be good for someone else. At times I use a liquid foundation. But, I've found a superb matte powder foundation that provides all day coverage. And it has a long name to match! It is Make Up Forever's HD Skin Matte Velvet 24 Hour Blurring & Undetectable Powder Foundation. Offered in about two dozen shades, a leading product feature is that it is buildable. It does not crease or cake. The link is here: http://tinyurl.com/47t26j3n

I've been a fan of the Trish McEvoy brand since it was introduced. Lipsticks have been a favorite. One of the line's best products is the Intense Gel Eyeliner Pencil. II've tried other brands of eyeliner. Lasting all day, this one is the clear winner. Seven shades are available. I feel the deep aubergine shade was created just for me! It is a perfect color. The link is here: http://tinyurl.com/ycxux2rb

Dior has quite a few excellent lip options. I've liked the Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer Proof Lipstick but my favorite is the Rouge Dior Transfer-Proof Lipstick. It is a matte finish, feels light and best of all it lasts a long time, even after drinking from a cup or glass. There are more than two dozen shades to select from. I'm partial to the color Forever Grace. The link is here: http://tinyurl.com/5cxnkmuy

In January I did not try any new beauty products as I've been happy with the ones I was using in 2023. What beauty products changes have you made so far this year?

FASHION INSPIRED BY THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Since working in Hong Kong and experiencing a Chinese New Year celebration along with my eyes on fashion, each year since participating in the celebration I look for fashions created for Chinese New Year. In a number of cases, those promoting fashions and other items refer to celebrating Lunar New Year. The term Lunar New Year is increasingly used to refer to celebrations in other countries that take place at the same time along with many of the same traditions as those in China.

This post covers:

• Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

• The Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop

• Liberty of London

• David Yurman

• Paul Smith

• Versace

One of the nicest memories of being in Hong Kong leading up to the New Year (It was celebrating the Year of the Monkey when there) was seeing the placement of mandarin orange trees throughout building entrances and storefronts. It was a surprise seeing one for the first time!

My photo posted here is a tree at the hotel where I stayed, the inviting, luxurious and detail focused Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. (MO_HKGT) This was just one of several thoughtful ways MO_HKGT celebrated Chinese New Year. The hotel's The Mandarin Cake Shop was another frequented venue during my stay and it had interesting specialties for the celebration. (The Shop's almond croissants continue to be the best croissants I've eaten.)

While researching the meaning of mandarin orange trees, learned tangerine trees are also used. (Maybe a reader could let me know the differences.) The Chinese word for mandarin is kam and it sounds similar to the word for “gold.” Therefore, having mandarin oranges at the New Year is believed to bring riches to one's life. The other custom I learned about and participated in is the tradition to give the gift of a red envelope filled with money. This gift represents good wishes and luck for the new year ahead.

Items produced for the ChineseNew Year often include the color red and the animal of one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. The dragon is the animal for 2024. I've come across a number of items with red and would like to share this attractive piece. This 100% silk scarf, by Liberty of London is named "Year Of The Dragon 45X45 Silk Scarf" This price is $130. The link is here:

http://tinyurl.com/mpw2ja39

Jewelry is another item adorned with the animal for the year being celebrated. David Yurman, as always is on top of things! (In previous posts I've written about David Yurman and my experiences with the brand. Links to theses posts are here: http://tinyurl.com/2r639c2e

http ://tinyurl.com/w4jp3btw )

Within the Amulets Collection for Women, David Yurman has a limited edition amulet hand carved from 18K yellow gold. The price is $1,950. The link is here: http://tinyurl.com/yejap9cs. This piece of jewelry includes a lovely packaged complimentary gift wrap, a red envelope embossed with the signature David Yurman cable motif.

Paul Smith, the British design company with locations in more than 60 countries has unique menswear products for the Year of the Dragon. In addition to cufflinks, and a billfold there is a selection of apparel including the one posted here, The Year of the Dragon Cotton T-Shirt It is fabulous! The price is $325.The link is here: http://tinyurl.com/bdhy3zem

As noted above, the color red is associated with the Chinese New Year. However, items for Year of the Dragon are at times offered in other colors. For instance, shown here is a Versace sweater. This pretty online exclusive sweater, a wool and cashmere blend is the The Year Dragon sweater is a light pink color. The price is $1,275.

The link is here: http://tinyurl.com/mpdbz366

Do you have any fashion favorites for the Year of the Dragon? Please let me know.

FASHION COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS-- A FEW FINDS

A few months ago in a previous post about fashion collaborations it was pointed out I enjoy following them. I like trying to figure out how these collaborations came about and when publicly available, reading how the launches went.

Surely I do not see most of the announcements but for those I see, I like reading about them and when available, looking at the products in person. Below are three recently announced collaborations / partnerships. When looked at together, they can dress you from head to toe!

White + Warren, a knitwear company started in 1997 and is known for cashmere products, particularly their travel wraps in a wide range of colors partnered with The Metropolitan Museum of Art for a line known as White + Warren x The Met. Per White + Warren's website "it is a limited-edition capsule inspired by the museum’s notable works of art." There are about ten pieces in the collection consisting of sweaters and accessories.

A nice benefit when purchasing the items is knowing that a portion of proceeds from the W+W x The Met Shop benefits The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

An item in the line posted here is the Cashmere Coat Of Arms Embroidered Crewneck. Shown in soft white, it is also available in grey. It has embroidery across the chest showing a Swiss coat of arms from a 17th century European tapestry in The Met’s collection. The price is $425 and can be seen here: http://tinyurl.com/3pkctxdx

I have not been able to find this sweater or any other piece in this partnerships' collection on The Met Store's website. Maybe pieces are available in the Museum's physical location. I hope it is.

The creativity that accompanies distinct sneakers designed through a collaboration is fascinating. A recent one I came across is CONVERSE x SWAROVSKI. The pair shown that won me over in recent days is The Converse Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared with Swarovski Crystals. Each pair is covered with over 1,000 sparkling crystals that vary in size. Combined with a striking silhouette with a squared toe cap, it is an amazing sneaker!

These sneakers are already listed in the Converse website. However, purchases cannot be made until February 1, 2024 at 10am EST. The price is $300 and can be seen here:

http://tinyurl.com/5byc4smk

Note: It has been reported The Chuck 70 De Luxe Squared is also launching without Swarovski crystals on February 1, 2024 and and will retail for $110.

Kendra Scott, started in 2002 and revenue exceeding $400 million in fiscal year through January 2023 launched its first collaboration on January 17, 2024. It is with the iconic denim brand Wrangler. The collaboration is named Wrangler x Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott. Per a press release "The exclusive collection — which pays homage to Kendra Scott's Texas roots and Wrangler's Western wear legacy was intentionally designed with variegated turquoise magnesite embellishments and embroidered rose motifs to provide sophisticated western looks for everyone from the urban cowgirl to the seasoned ranch hand."

Wrangler x Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott includes a variety of jewelry encompassing necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets and 13 pieces of apparel including denim, jackets and shirts.

In line with Kendra Scott's commitment to philanthropic efforts, there is a contribution commitment with this launch.

Per a press release: "Kendra Scott will donate 20% of every purchase price of the Wrangler x Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott Elaina Corded Bracelet to the Kendra Scott Foundation (KSF). and will direct this donation from Kendra Scott to the National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America).

Wrangler is is donating $10,000 to the National FFA to support scholarships in connection with this collaboration.

Shown here is one of the items in the collaboration, Wrangler x Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott Laurel Vintage Statement Earrings. The price is $150 and can be seen here: http://tinyurl.com/2dppj6wa

I'm looking forward to exploring more fashion collaborations in the months ahead. Please let me know the ones to check out!