When the economy falls apart and women have no money for luxuries, history shows that they’ll still splurge on lipstick.  And when splurging, what could be better than those iconic interlocking C’s?

Last night, Chanel hosted a sparkling dinner at The Mark Hotel to celebrate the launch of new lipstick Rouge Coco Hydrating Crème Lip Colour, which debuts in March and will retail for $30.  The real glamour, however, came in the form of the guest list, which included Vanessa Paradis (guest of honor, Johnny Depp’s longtime paramour, and the face of Rouge Coco), British socialite Poppy Delevigne, stylist Rachel Zoe, Leigh Lezark from The Misshapes, fashion muse Amanda Brooks, model Alexandra Richards, Margherita Missoni, and Frederic Fekkai.

Kate Bosworth also attended, and she looked stunning.  This simple, classic makeup look–which I will be imitating ce soir–was done by Chanel celebrity makeup artist Angela Levin, who used:

- Rouge Coco lip colour in Ruban Rose

- Vitalumiere Fluid Makeup in Beige

- Quadra Eye Shadow compacts in Mystic Eyes and Reflets D’Ombre

- Inimitable Mascara

- Rouge Coco in Rose Comète on the apples of Kate’s cheeks – (one of Angela’s signature makeup tricks!)

High Priestess Anna Wintour

For the Costume Institute’s annual Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the 2009 theme was “The Model as Muse.”  (What does that mean?  I haven’t the foggiest.  I’m the idiot that skips conceptual art in favor of pretty flowerscapes.)  Regardless, there was some fabulous beauty and fashion on display tonight.  In another lifetime, perhaps I shall warrant an invite.  Dare to dream!

Yes, it’s a little Grand Ol’ Opry, but I’m seriously digging Anne Hathaway’s hair here

Ashley Olsen, looking like herself

Bronzed, blonde and beautifully-makeupped — Blake Lively is gorgeous as always

Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy, looking smug

Chuck Bass Ed Westwick

Is there a cuter couple than Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel?

(more…)

A few weeks ago, I attended the opening night party for Sally Hershberger’s new LA outpost on La Cienega in West Hollywood.  You know Sally, right?  She’s the uber-fabulous, incredibly talented scissor sister who created Meg Ryan’s iconic shag…not to mention a hair rockstar who charges $800 for a cut.  So, here’s where it gets interesting: Sally left her West Hollywood baby (Sally Hershberger at John Frieda) in 2006 to work on her New York salons and her Supreme Head product line (check out the Shagg Spray–amazing!), but recently returned to LA, scissors at the ready. This is excellent news for Angelenos with cash to spare and a taste for texture…but bad news for the renamed Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon, which has hemorrhaged employees in the past month as they’ve defected to their old manager’s new spot.  Egads!  Quelle drama!

Beauty politics aside, the 3rd floor salon is light and airy, with sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills and the decidedly-New York edginess that La Sally has become renowned for. (Um, hello?  Topless photos of Kate Moss and Agyness Deyn adorn the walls!) Head colorist Negin Zand—she’s the one behind Scarlett Johansson, Kate Bosworth and Kate Hudson’s gleaming blonde—is among those joining Hershberger from Serge Normant at John Frieda, so you know that heads are rolling behind the scenes at John Frieda.  Sally’s just too fabulous–not to mention a total sweetheart…can you blame them for jumping ship?