55 Secret Street

55 Beauty Bag: MAC Wonder Woman!

I should explain just how much I loved Wonder Woman as a child.  Seven-year-old Nichelle could not wait to whip off her little glasses, spin around and "turn into" Wonder Woman every week right along with Lynda Carter.  I had the Halloween costume and yes, my jump rope served as the "lasso of truth" (I probably just used it on my sister though!)  My Wonder Woman thing is one of my happiest and - funniest - childhood memories and I was only too happy to relay this information to Lynda Carter herself when I ran into her one day at Frederic Fekkai's old salon at Bergdorf Goodman.  She was very gracious and very amused even though I am sure she had heard dozens of similar stories.

   

MAC collections arrive fast and furious and, while they are always fabulous, I rarely squeal out loud when I open the press packages from them... but I did this time!  Oh, the fun you're going to have when you open the (Jumbo!) lip glasses and blushes, the super-sized Mineralize Skinfinish (Golden Lariat!) and the Bulletproof Blue makeup bag! The gold Utility Belt Face and Eye Brush Sets are a lot of fun too.

I have to say, I was a little worried that there wouldn't be enough colors in the collection that would work on my skin.  Thankfully, there are quite a few: especially the lip glass (above) in Wonder Woman (bright red) and Secret Identity (mid-tone copper - brown pencil works well with it).  The eye shadow quads in Defiance (above - burgundy/violet/pink), Lady Justice (blue) and Valiant (green) are also (chocolate) brown girl friendly. There is plenty to choose from for the adventurous woman in every complexion and that's the way it should be. 

Now, about that Wonder Woman movie...

Michelle Obama in Rachel Roy at The State of the Union Address

First Lady Michelle Obama wore a silver silk shift dress by Rachel Roy to the President's State of the Union address last night. Presumably, this will please Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg and the CFDA, who criticized the first lady's choice to wear a red gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen for the White House's State Dinner honoring China.

Just as "The Oprah Effect" in fashion that has affected the bottom-line of American designers, there has been a definite "Michelle Obama" effect. Unfortunately, for some of the big name designers, that effect tends to translate to more affordable American labels like J. Crew.   So, if the recent past is any indication, wearing Vera Wang or Oscar de la Renta last week would not have created more jobs in the American fashion industry.  Also, I think this commenter makes a fine point in response to WWD's article on Oscar de la Renta's comments:

"When American designers begin using only American manufacturers to make their clothes then criticism of Michelle Obama not promoting an American label will have some validity. However, as is stands now American designers have their designs mass-produced overseas (where they can exploit cheap labor, like IN CHINA). Thus, criticizing the First Lady for not helping to "promote" American designers, who themselves do NOT promote job growth in America by choosing American manufacturers, is complete hypocrisy."

Oh yes!  The first lady looked lovely at the State of the Union.  Nice job Rachel Roy.

Michelle Obama in Alexander McQueen at The White House State Dinner for China

Our newly 47-year-old First Lady Michelle Obama selected a beautiful, bold red petal prink silk organza gown by Alexander McQueen for the White House State Dinner honoring China. Many people were surprised that she did not select a gown by Vera Wang, but now that I see that Vera is on the guest list for the dinner, I am not.

As usual, I think the first lady looks (and is) awesome.

55 Beauty Bag: Covergirl Queen Collection Lip Color

These 24 newly launched shades were designed with women of color in mind, but I think all women can do what women of color always do - try it anyway! The shades are certainly welcoming, everything from rich wines and plums to corals, berries and naturals.  I have already taken a shine to Ruby Slipper, a creamy berry shade. But there are plenty of other winners in this bunch.

COVERGIRL Queen Collection Lip Color $6.99

Ruby Slipper         Mocha Locha        Royal Plum       Into the Red