Kim Kardashian at Lord and Taylor from 7 to 9pm

424 5^th Avenue, New York, NY 10018

Stop by for your chance to meet style-savvy entrepreneur and fragrance designer, Kim Kardashian, with your qualifying* True Reflection fragrance purchase. For complete details: www.lordandtaylor.com/FashionsNightOut *Qualifying purchase includes $123 True Reflection gift set. Due to time limitations it may not be possible for each customer to meet our special guest. Event subject to change or cancellation.

Michael Kors at Macy’s Herald Square from 7:30 to 8:30pm

151 West 34^th Street, New York, NY 10001

Celebrate the opening of The World’s Largest Shoe Floor at a fashion trivia quiz hosted by fashion designer and TV personality Michael Kors. | Shoes on 2 | 7:30PM

Oscar de la Renta, Tom Pecheux and Max & Lubov Azria at Saks Fifth Avenue from 6 to 9pm

611 5^th Avenue, New York, NY 10022

Celebrate the launch of his new fragrance, Essential Luxuries with Mr. Oscar de la Renta at 6. Enjoy a private consultation with Creative Director, Tom Pecheux of Estee Lauder from 6 to 8. Meet husband and wife team, Max and Lubov Azria from 8 to 8:45.

Edward Bess, Michael Bastian, Naeem Khan, Rachel Zoe, etc. at Bergdorf Goodman from 6 to 9 pm

754 5^th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

Book signing with author Sara James Mnookin and designers to celebrate the new book "Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf Goodman" (Harper Design.) With special guests Edward Bess, Halston Heritage, Lela Rose, Michael Bastian, Naeem Khan, Rachel Zoe, Roberto Faraone Mennella & Amedeo Scognamiglio, Thakoon Panichgul, Robert Verdi and more. Music by Andrew Andrew.

Christian Siriano at Christian Siriano New Flagship from from 7 to 9 pm

252 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10012

Designer Christian Siriano will appear for a meet and greet at his first new Flagship concept store. He will sign a limited run of handbags and accessories, and pose for photos. All attendees who make a purchase will be entered automatically to win a chance for two tickets to the Christian Siriano Spring 2013 Fashion show on Sept 8, 2012 or a $250 gift Certificate to shop in our store. Drinks will be served for attendees over the age of 21. Music provided by Brad Walsh and a special Guest Dj.

David Yurman at David Yurman Flagship Store from 6 to 9 pm

712 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065

David Yurman, America’s renowned fine jewelry and timepiece designer, will celebrate Fashion’s Night Out at the Madison Avenue flagship with specially created cocktails and delectable desserts all inspired by David Yurman signature collections including women’s, men’s and timepieces.

Donna Karan at Donna Karan from 6 to 8 pm

819 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10065

Join Donna Karan for a book preview and signing of the new book, "Stephan Weiss: Connecting the Dots" by Donna Karan. Enjoy champagne and the new fall collection.

Foley and Corrina at Henri Bendel from 7 to 9 pm

712 5^th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

Get a chance to meet Dana Foley and Anna Corinna, Creative Directors of Foley+Corinna, and get exclusive styling tips and a gift with your purchase!

Ivanka Trump at Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry from 6 to 11pm

109 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012

Join us as we celebrate our first Fashion’s Night Out in Soho with an appearance by Ivanka Trump, great food, music, dessert by Georgetown Cupcakes, a fashion show in partnership with Trump Models Inc. and exciting surprises!

Michael Kors at Michael Kors Flagship from 6 to 11pm

667 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065

APPEARANCE BY MICHAEL KORS AND CELEBRITY GUESTS, EXCLUSIVE PRODUCT, PORTRAITS BY FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER AND MORE!

KORS KARAOKE: Come watch your favorite YOUTUBE stars compete in a Karaoke contest judged by Michael Kors and Guest Celebrity Judges. Have a chance to shop exclusive product as well as have your portrait taken by famed photographer Victor Demarchellier.

Vera Wang at Vera Wang Store from 6 to 8pm

158 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012

Vera Wang will be co-hosting with Eric Daman, Emmy Award winning costume designer for the hit series Gossip Girl and The Carrie Diaries.

Contests:

Guerlain at Sephora from 6 to 11pm

Show off your little black dress

1. Purchase any size La Petite Robe Noire fragrance, found exclusively at Sephora 2. Take a picture of yourself holding your fragrance and Sephora shopping bag, outside the Sephora location where you purchased it 3. Tweet the picture to @GuerlainUS and use the hashtags #FNO and #LPRN One entry will be chosen at random to receive a gift certificate to our Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf=Astoria NYC. The gift certificate includes a 90-minute Abeille Royale Facial & 50-minute massage. Total value= $490

Entertainment:

Cirque Du Soleil’s Zumanity at Henri Bendel from 6 to 11pm

712 5^th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

Join Henri Bendel at our 5th Avenue flagship for Fashion’s Night Out as they dazzle & delight with the help of Cirque Du Soleil’s Zumanity! Transport yourself to Las Vegas with a live Zumanity performance and casino night theme!

Catch a complimentary ride at their exclusive Fashion Bus at Famous Footwear from 6 to 11pm

250 West 34^th St. NY 10119

Famous Footwear is celebrating Fashion's Night Out! Catch a complimentary ride on our exclusive Fashion Bus for a Famously Fun-Filled evening on Thursday, September 6, from 5pm to 11pm! Enter for a chance to win Complimentary Shoes For a Year just by jumping on board! Once you’re here, be one of the first 100 shoppers to spend $75 or more and walk away with your gift card for a complimentary pedicure. Entertainment, refreshments, giveaways and more.

Cyndi Lauper at Manolo Blahnik from 7:30 to 11pm

31 West 54^th Street, NY 10019

Cyndi Lauper and Manolo Blahnik USA invite you to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out and Cyndi’s new musical, Kinky Boots. Cyndi will be performing at our 54th Street boutique at 8:30pm.

And where will I go? I will join the party at UNIQLO Flagship on 5th Avenue!

UNIQLO 6pm to 11pm

666 5^th Avenue, New York, NY 10103

Please join us in celebrating Fashion’s Night Out with our own Japanese twist. Enjoy sake tastings provided by Ozeki, music provided by NY Japanese DJ’s, Japanese sweets provided by Meiji, manicures at Soho and 34th Street, and at UNIQLO 5th Ave store, step up to our Shiseido Beauty Bar for lip touch ups and fun give-a-ways!

HAVE A GREAT AND MEMORABLE FASHION NIGHT OUT!!!!

   Are you one of those women who constantly exercise and eat healthy, yet still have a saggy midsection? You are not alone. Majority of women, skinny or obese, have abdominal fat or belly fat. This fat protrudes and sags around the belly area which can be quite unsightly for certain clothes.  

High-intensity exercise is one way of combatting abdominal fat. Also, eating a low-fat and high-protein diet can help turn abdominal fats to abdominal muscles. But, exercise and diet alone does not guarantee a firmer and toned abs. Other factors such as age, genetics, and hormonal imbalances can also contribute to fat accumulation in the belly.

Vichy Laboratories, known for the success of their CelluDeStock anti-cellulite cream product, have formulated DeStock Stomach, a revolutionary treatment cream created for active women to target abdominal fat and improved the firmness of the belly area.

Clinical trials result shows that application of DeStock Stomach in the abdominal area, combined with regular exercise regimen had dramatically improved the firmness of the belly by up to 70%. Further notable results revealed that “women who applied DeStock Stomach for 28 days noticed positive effect on the quality of their own skin in terms of firmness, tone and smoothness”.

DeStock Stomach contains 5% pure caffeine, the gold standard in body treatments, that aids in microcirculation and refine the skin around the waistline. It also consists of pro-firming plant peptides, extracted from soya, to effectively boost firming effect on the skin. This is paraben-free and allergy tested.

For maximum results, apply twice daily and combine with regular exercise. Available at major pharmacies such as CVS, Duane Reade, Walgreens and Vichy online. Retails at $36.50.

INGREDIENTS: AQUA / WATER, ALCOHOL DENAT., DIMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, CAFFEINE, PROPANEDIOL, TRIETHANOLAMINE, SALICYLIC ACID, HYDROGENATED OLYISOBUTENE, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLDIMETHYLTAURAMIDE / AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, PEG-60 ALMOND GLYCERIDES, PEG-100 , TEARATE, PEG/PPG/POLYBUTYLENE GLYCOL-8/5/3 GLYCERIN, CI 15985 / YELLOW 6, CI 14700 / RED 4, GLYCERYL STEARATE, COFFEA ARABICA BEAN EXTRACT / COFFEE SEED EXTRACT, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM CITRATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, DISODIUM EDTA, CAMPHOR, CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID, HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEINMENTHOL, XANTHAN GUM, ILEX PARAGUARIENSIS EXTRACT / ILEX PARAGUARIENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER

Fitness expert Violet Zaki shares her secrets for five ways to a flatter stomach

Question: What is the number one problem area women complain about during your fitness classes?

Violet Zaki: “The common complaint is “how can I get rid of my pooch/spare tire/love handles/muffin top?” This culprit is the layer of fat located between the navel and the hips and is a receptor for fat cells more so than any other part of your body.”

 Question: Why do women’s bodies store fat in this area?

Violet Zaki: “There are numerous causes of stubborn belly fat including genetic predisposition, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, poor diet and lack of sleep. Additionally, as women age, muscle mass gradually decreases and the proportion of fat to bodyweight increases because a decrease in estrogen levels influences fat distribution in the body.”

Question: Are crunches the best way to tone my midsection?

Violet Zaki: “If you think getting washboard abs is as simple as doing crunches, then we need to talk. To get the beach body you want, challenge your midsection in the way your body is designed to move naturally in daily life. This will help you burn calories as well as strengthen and tone your problem areas. Work all your core muscle groups (the abs, hips, lower back and pelvic region), front and back, not just the tranverse abdominis (also known as the “six pack”), because if you have a layer of fat covering your abdominals, you will not see the lean muscle underneath it.”

Question: What are a few simple exercises I can do at my desk or at home to firm my abs?

Violet Zaki: “Sitting on a stability ball at your desk automatically promotes proper spinal alignment and posture and causes you to always move around, therefore you are not sitting in the same position for prolonged periods of time. You are also using your core muscles to maintain your balance on the ball, so you have fitness right at your fingertips! Maintaining good posture also strengthens your core and helps you look leaner.”

Question: Do you use any products that you feel help with the toning of the abdomen area?

Violet Zaki: “As a fitness professional, promoting a healthy lifestyle and empowering women to feel their best is my job and Vichy Destock Stomach is an added bonus to any women’s fitness routine. Vichy Destock Stomach gives women results they can see – with a visible difference after seven days of use and improved skin texture after four weeks of continued use.”

 About Violet Zaki:

A well-established international fitness professional, widely viewed as an elite instructor and dynamic personality with very effective approaches to private and group fitness. Her natural aussie flare, creative workout repertoire, and inspirational style attract a large following in the demanding New York Metro and U.S. markets via her live classes, broad portfolio of media workouts, contributing journalism, and speaking engagements.

Violet brings a diverse background to her work, including education and professional experience in social work. She is a practicing Black Belt in Seido Karate, ACE Certified Fitness Instructor, Monash University Certified Fitness Instructor, Master Trainer in various equipment specialties and owner of Zakifitness. Her professional group fitness experience started in Australia and blossomed in New York, including ten years running as a top draw at the city’s premier club, Equinox Fitness Clubs, and guest appearances spanning over a dozen countries across six continents. She has also logged many hours as a high-end private and corporate trainer, specializing in efficient, dynamically challenging routines requiring little-to-no equipment.

 Violet’s television show guest appearances include the Home Shopping Network as a featured fitness expert representing Fitness magazine, E! Entertainment Television’s The Girls Next Door, the CBS Early Show as weekly fitness correspondent, Live with Regis and Kelly, NBC’s Today show, Fox Business’ Happy Hour, and CW11’s Morning Show, along with CNN and Televisa Latin America and MBC TV in the Middle East.

Violet has also appeared in and/or contributed content to several fitness and lifestyle magazines and websites, including Fitness, Health, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Prevention, Self, Shape, Cosmopolitan, Essence, Fairmont Magazine, Heart & Soul, Marie Claire, Oxygen, the Knot, MSN, Brenda’s Wedding Blog, and FitSugar.

 Groundbreaking findings from Vichy Laboratories, revealed the source of skin rejuvenation that will change the way we look at skincare. During the biggest gathering of leading dermatologists and skin experts from around the world, the World Congress of Dermatology in Seoul, Korea, Vichy revealed that the papillary dermis, a thin layer of cells located below the epidermis is the driving force of the skin rejuvenation process, including collagen and elastin production. Elastin is a protein found on the skin tissues that is responsible for elasticity and firmness. As people age, the elastin depletes and leads to sagging skin and wrinkles.

“The role of the papillary dermis has immediately provided data for the development of a new anti-aging range that does more than just preserve the activity of the papillary dermis – it restores its role as the source of youthful skin,” explains L’Oreal Research Director of Communication, Patricia Pineau. “Of course, this goes hand in hand with the conception of suitable active ingredients.”

Vichy’s new anti-aging cream, LiftActiv contains Rhamnose, a clinically proven ingredient that actively regenerate skin from the papillary dermis, making it more elastic and plump. Rhamnose is a natural chemical extracted from the tropical flower Uncaria.

With 5% concentration of Rhamnose, Vichy LiftActiv is proven to reduce visible signs of aging, such as forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, under-eye and glabellar (between the eyebrows), as early as two weeks. Skin texture improves in just 4 days of use.

From their website:

LiftActiv with Rhamnose 5% also features continuous release Vitamin C, clinically proven to boost the production of collagen and elastin fibers and proliferation of fibroblasts.

10 years of research. 7 International patents.

Results:
See up to a 20% reduction in wrinkles* on key areas such as crow's feet, forehead lines and the neckline.
Long-lasting lifting effect**
44% improvement in tonicity***
15% improvement in firmness***
24 hours of hydration.

Dermatological Standards:
Paraben Free, Non comedogenic. Allergy tested. Tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control and is suitable for intolerant skin

"*After 8 weeks of daily application of Lift Activ with Rhamnose 5% Night
**With continued use
***Clinical study of 40 women after 4 hours.

Vichy LiftActiv with Rhamnose 5% is available in Day Cream and Night Cream, retails at $49 for 1.7 fl.oz. The Day Cream has two kinds, for Dry Skin and for Normal-Combination Skin. Vichy products are sold on their website and major pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens and Duane Reade.

My comments:

I was very excited to receive LiftActiv from Vichy’s PR for review. Vichy is among the first French doctor’s brands trusted by millions of women in Europe and around the world. It is my first anti-aging cream, and to be honest, the cream is very skin-friendly with a pleasurable texture. I don’t see dramatic results in skin firmness but my skin’s texture looks healthier, luminous and hydrated. It is a good wrinkle prevention product. As a 33 year-old reviewer, without any wrinkles, it is difficult assess the wrinkle fighting properties of the product. This product is highly recommended for wrinkle prevention, as well as elasticity improvement.

It is lightweight with creamy blendability, absorbs easily, and does not appear heavy. Keeps skin hydrated and soft. It has a mild friendly scent of flower. Overall, I would recommend this to women over 30 years old, for all skin types. This product is suitable for intolerant skin. Allergy tested and paraben-free.

Thanks to the PR team of Vichy, Amanda Breault and Tyler Williams for sending such great product for review. All opinions are honest and based on actual result on my skin.

 

Summer is more fun, if your skin is well-protected from the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays. Nothing beats a healthy youthful skin, all year round. This blog post is a reminder to all people, of all ages to wear sunscreen everyday as skin cancer prevention. I will write about one of the best sunscreen brands in the world.

La Roche-Posay won the Allure's 2011 Best of Beauty Award in facial sunscreen category. Their face products, particularly their effective sunscreens received great reviews from skin professionals, reputable beauty bloggers and recommended by over 25,000 dermatologists worldwide. They need not spend a penny on advertising, as their products are trustworthy that it can sell on its own through word-of-mouth.

Their award-winning sunscreen, Anthelios Ultra Light Mineral Sunscreen with SPF50, is one of the most effective in the market, with a reasonable price. It is light-weight, matte-finish, non-whitening, and contains Cell-Ox Shield, a powerful patent-pending antioxidant complex featuring Senna Alata. This is a unique plant extract that protects skin against cell damage and from environmental aggressors. This shields the skin from the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays, up to the cellular level.

UVA causes skin aging, dark spots and sun allergies. UVB causes skin damage (burning) to skin cells and even DNA. UVA and UVB potentially leads to the development of skin cancer.

I've been a convert since this came out few years ago. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion was my ultimate holy grail and used it for many years. But with La Roche-Posay's optimum protection and great prices, it is just practical to switch to this brand.

Here's a good news! Their newest sunscreen, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Suncreen SPF50, can double as a tinted makeup base, with all the innovative sun protective minerals incorporated therein. This is a perfect product for those who want a hint of healthy tan without applying a bronzer. Although, the bronzing properties are on the lighter side of the spectrum, you can expect a decent sun-kissed glow in matte finish. Very appropriate for outdoor activities, even for water sports since it is water resistant.

New York dermatologist Dr. Heidi Waldorf emphasizes, "We all know that UV exposure can have very serious consequences on our health, including skin cancer and accelerated skin aging, but many women (and men) aren't comfortable with their skin imperfections and believe that they will be masked by a tan. Since we know a tan causes damage, a tinted sunblock is ideal, as it protects while covering these imperfections, all without damaging the skin." 

During the summer months, I avoid wearing makeup and opt for a natural look, allowing my skin to breathe. A great sunscreen is a must before I step out my house. This new tinted sunscreen helped me look polished and glowing, even without applying any makeup. Definitely a great innovative tint technology.

La Roche-Posay is a pioneer in UV protection research for over 15 years. Available at select dermatologists, CVS, ULTA, Walgreens, Duane Reade and online.

Thanks to La Roche-Posay's PR team, for sending me products for review. All opinions are very honest and based on my experiences on the product. This is my favorite sunscreen in the world.

Related article here: Great beauty products for hot humid summer months