Contributing editor Cologne Schmidt just informed me that she’s launched a new clothing company with her roommate Cammy called ‘Show Me Your Mumu’. In her own words:

“It is a line of one-size-fits all mumus in awesome patterns and colors. We have re-invented the mumu into a flattering and versatile short dress/ long top. It is perfect with a slip, jeans, shorts, bikini, belted, boots, barefoot…whatever! And perfect for travel!!”

Judging by the adorable photos at left of Cologne and company showing off the styles, these are definitely not your grandmother’s mumus.  Love!

Contributing Editor Cologne Schmidt writes:

I have always been a huge fan of Trèswhite Supreme’s pre-filled and disposable whitening trays—so hearing they have now strengthened and revamped the formula is like music to my ears.

This is how much I love them: I put them in on the street yesterday while leaving work and wore them home on the subway. The whole time I was desperately hoping no one was going to try to talk to me (or heaven forbid I run into someone I know), because I would have to reveal what a freak I am that I chose to whiten my teeth during my 25 minute commute. Luckily, I made no new friends, and got home from work with significantly whiter teeth than when I left.

Trèswhite is very easy to use—and covers all teeth, unlike many ‘strips’ out there. You pop in the tray and pull it out, and it automatically leaves a clear covered whitener on your teeth. They have now increased the formula to 15%, meaning more effective results in less time (as short as 25 minutes, as demonstrated by my train maneuver). This is three times the strength of the leading white-strip. Trèswhite Supreme is about as close to a professional dentist whitening as you can get—without actually having to pay the big bucks. You do; however, have to buy the product from a dental office. Go to Opalescence.com to find all dentists in your area that carry them—and there are a lot, so chances are yours already does! Smile!

Contributing Editor Cologne Schmidt writes:

The days before I go on my Mexican vacation are melting away, but… umm…I don’t know if I can say the same about those extra pounds hiding beneath my clothes. Thus, when Ru La La invited me to try out Exhale Spa’s infamous Core Fusion Class, I thought: one step closer to cut-offs!

And am I ever glad I did. The class lived up to its hype and was definitely worth it. It’s a mixture of muscle strengthening and movements, making you feel challenged and incredibly strong at the same time. I never do strength training—like, I am embarrassingly weak. (Can run a zillion miles, but I can’t do a single regular push up.) Core Fusion reminded me how important strength training is for my body. I swear my arms were slightly more toned the next morning…but maybe it was just my (optimistic) imagination.

Rue La La offers these classes, and other awesome mind + body Exhale Spa experiences at a steep discount on their members-only shopping site, which offers discount packages and specials to its subscribers. Plus, you get $10.00 gift certificates every time you get someone to sign up!

It always feels good to treat yourself to something good for your mind and body—without breaking the bank!

Contributing Editor Cologne Schmidt writes:

Recently, in the middle of NYFW craziness, I stopped at Wellington Hair Spa in Chelsea with fellow Jolie Nadine contributor Hillary in to get my hair and nails did. M2M Nails supplied the celeb and runway-worthy polishes—which took me about an hour to decide on. Described as ‘luxury in a bottle’, M2M offers an array of matte and shiny shades that ain’t your average Wet n’ Wild. I settled on a matte blackish purple vamp color, and am pleased to admit I went chip free for over a week! And as if they read my mind—they are adding easter-egg pastels to the collection in Spring…mmm, can’t wait!

Celebrity manicurist Myrdith Lean-McCormick (whose clientele ranges from Kate Hudson and JLo to the runway shows for Vera Wang and Zac Posen) branched off by starting M2M in 2008. Each polish is inspired by and named after a personality trait of her favorite celebrity clients—so you can feel a little closer to them with every drop of paint. Myrdith was born in Port-Au-Prince, so a percentage of every $11.00 polish is donated to aiding the people of her beloved homeland, Haiti.

Then, the owner of the salon, Patrick Wellington, indulged us with a hair strengthening treatment and some simple tips on maximizing your locks. His advice?  1) First, know your hair type and select products made for you. If you have colored hair, make sure you use a shampoo and conditioner designed for color treated hair. If you have curly hair, you might look for volume control products. Thus, you’ll achieve the look you want without damaging your hair. 2) His next tip, and one I always fail to execute, is to get a hair trim on a regular schedule. Having your hair trimmed every few months is crucial for hair growth and breakage prevention. It is one of the best things you can do for your hair, yet so many people wait six months (or longer!) before they get a trim.

Pretty hair, pretty nails, happy girl!

So, as I mentioned, it’s been very busy in Jolie-land.  I didn’t attend New York Fashion Week, but sent contributing editor Cologne Schmidt in my place to all the events.  She promptly submitted write-ups…and I’m only now getting around to putting them up.  Egads!  Fashion moves so quickly, the information is probably all a moo point by now!  (You know, like a cow’s point of view.  It’s moo.)  Regardless, for those of you who love the behind-the-scenes action, here’s your fix. More to follow.

Contributing Editor Cologne Schmidt writes:

Geisha-inspired faces took over at the Vivienne Tam show—located in her gorgeous glass-walled Soho store. Not a huge surprise, seeing as Vivienne Tam is known for her Asian patterns and rich color. Nevertheless, the slicked-back pony and vibrant red lip looked effortlessly modern and glamorous and complemented the Asian-inspired collection. The shredding/folding/pleating of the garments and the brilliant tiger and leopard lace tights were drawn from underlying themes of the Chinese Zodiac animals. (And, of course, it’s currently the year of the Tiger!)

I had a chance to chat with Maybelline make-up artist Charlotte Willer to get the low-down on how to achieve the China Porcelain doll look.  Her instructions:

– Start with a light layer of Mineral Power Liquid Foundation and a thin coat of Mineral Liquid Concealer all over the face.

– Use Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil to perfect the brows and give them shape.

– For the eyes, simply add a little shimmer in the inner corner.

– No mascara, liner, nada.

– Then, use Color Sensational Lip Liner in Red all over the lips for a bold and long-lasting look.

While I don’t think I could ever pull off the geisha-lite look, for those of you who have the courage, it’s simple but powerful and will certainly grab attention!

Contributing Editor Cologne Schmidt writes:

There was something bittersweet about this year’s fashion week—it was the last to be held in the tents at Bryant Park. Even as a semi-newbie to the FW scene, this bit of news sends a little pain to my heart. I’ve lived in NY long enough to see three seasons go though the tents and nothing compares to the shows inside the white circus construction. Since 1993, NYFW has been held in this iconic location—mainly because of its proximity to the garment district. But it has since outgrown the pretty little park, and is moving to Lincoln Center and beyond.

However, to steal a quote from amNY, “People in the fashion industry are addicted to change” and “wherever fashion goes in New York City, fashionistas are sure to follow.” Designers are trying to remain optimistic about the change—and many have already embraced new venues. Catherine Malandrino was held at the Chelsea Art Museum, RVCA by Erin Wasson was held at the beautiful ABC home design store, and many designers held their shows at their flagship stores in the city.

Designer Vivienne Tam (whose show I was able to cover; more on that soon!) reflects on leaving Bryant Park: “I remember my first show there; it was the most memorable moment of my career because it was the first time the tents were at Bryant Park, my first fashion show and my first cover of WWD.”

Luckily this change like won’t affect the beauty and glamour that is synonymous with New York Fashion Week. It’s fashion in New York: the show will still go on.