BEAUTY CONFESSIONS: ALEXIA INGE Co-Founder of Cultbeauty.co.uk

Alexia Inge has 12 years experience in the beauty & fashion industries as a writer, PR and an entrepreneur. She co-founded the fabulous online beauty retailer, cultbeauty.co.uk, in June 2008 with Jessica Deluca. Cult Beauty has pioneered an expert-edited approach to beauty retailing where customers have access to product recommendations and know-how usually available only to an A-list elite. A panel of 48 world-class hair and beauty experts’ filters through the excess of choice that plagues the beauty industry worldwide to present a tightly edited selection of cult products that do exactly what they say on the tin.

WHAT'S YOUR BEAUTY ADDICTION?
Jouer for make up, especially their Luminizing Moiture Tint. It's like a Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser 2.0 and makes my skin look radiant even after a night slipping down the tiles…

For Skincare my obsession right now is Sunday Riley –the products are so beautifully made they make your skin sing.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE LONDON FASHION STYLE?
Elegantly wasted! The celebration of the quirk.

WHOSE YOUR STYLE ICON?
I love Carine Roitfeld's look, rock chick (while avoiding the Chicken dressed as chick look).

WHAT’S THE MOST PRIZED POSSESSION IN YOUR CLOSET?
A dove grey pair of slouchy, suede boots from Beatrix Ong and a tailored shift dress my mother bought in the 60's and handed down to me.

WHICH DESIGNERS DO YOU WORSHIP?
I love Bottega Veneta and Isabel Marant, pretty much anything Phoebe Philo does and can't wait for Luella Bartley to start another brand… For shoes I think that Beatrix Ong is a genius.

YOU FEEL MOST BEAUTIFUL WHEN?
God this is a hard one, probably once I've come out of an appointment with the brilliant aromatherapist/healer/masseur Michelle Roques-O'Neil. I feel like I'm walking on air.

MY RECENT BEAUTY DISCOVERIES

1 L’Oréal Paris, double extend mascara
Just when I’ve given up on finding a smudge proof mascara I discovered Double Extend mascara. The reasons why it won’t smudge or flake but does lengthen, thicken and extend? Apparently it’s because of a newish technology known as tubing. An odd name I know but it’s a genius product. Instead of using oils and waxes, like in traditional mascaras, tubing uses a flexible polymer that forms a solid film around each lash. Hallelujah I no longer look like a panda! (www.lorealparis.com, MSRP $11)

2 Nars, pro primer multi-protect primer spf 30/pa+++
I'm completely addicted to Nars Pro Primer, it’s one of my all time favorite products; it protects my skin from the sun but doesn’t make my face oily or greasy like other sunscreens. I love wearing it alone or under my make-up. Unfortunately it’s only comes in 1oz/30ml which isn’t very big so I normally buy a few at a time not to run out however it’s perfect for when you’re traveling. (www.narscosmetics.com, $32)

3 Clarins, 3-dot liner
If you’re like me and don’t have a steady hand for liquid liners I found the perfect solution. Clarins have launched a liner that allows you to have precision control and it’s all down to their three-pronged applicator. This means you don’t have to draw a straight line instead you just dot it on. It’s pretty fool proof if you ask me! (www.clarinsusa.com, $26)

4 Anastasia Beverly Hills, brow wiz
A beauty friend of mine introduced me to this brand and I’ve thanked her ever since. The best brow pencil I’ve come across for filling in my sparse eyebrows! Ever since I started using this product I’m CONSTANTLY getting compliments on how fabulous my eyebrows look. It’s all down to the ultra-fine pencil tip, which mimics the appearance of tiny hairs creating the ultimate natural look. (www.anastasia.net, $20)

GET THE LOOK: Kate Middleton aka Duchess of Cambridge

I’m totally in love with this Prabal Gurung dress! The print and colors are absolutely GORGEOUS. Unfortunately it's sold out but even if it wasn’t it’s a bit out of my price range at £1,770 (approx $2,800 USD).

Spring/summer 2012 lookbook.

Runway image and actress, Amanda Seyfried, in a different version of Kate’s dress.

While browsing through H&M I came across something a bit similar…

Dress, $34.95, and blouse, $14.95, both by H&M.

However if you have the budget you can still get the Prabal Gurung suit at Browns in London…

Silk jacket, currently on sale £940 (approx $1,525 USD), by Prabal Gurung available at Browns.

Silk skirt, currently on sale £335 (approx $544 USD), by Prabal Gurung available at Browns.

HAPPY SHOPPING!

BEHIND THE SCENES: Kohler

2012 KOHLER VIBRACOUSTIC® CAMPAIGN

And here are the final images...

Just in case you're wondering about the product...
“Experience a bathing experience like no other with Underscore VibrAcoustic baths, featuring second-generation VibrAcoustic technology. This range of VibrAcoustic baths combines Underscore’s clean, modern design with soothing sound vibration technology that resounds throughout your body to relax and calm you like never before. Listen to four original compositions with different levels of relaxation, or unwind and recharge with your own playlist.” –Kohler

FASHIONABLE INVITES: September

The unveiling of the new, limited edition 744 LTD Boot by Wolverine 1000 Mile, based on vintage pattern from the 1930’s this Thursday, September 20th. You can grab a pair of at special launch events in select global cities (click here for listings), only 1000 of these boots were made, each with a certificate of authenticity!

In the Chicago area 6-9pm, Haberdash at 611 N. State Street  is having a big blow-out where you can get a straight razor shave while you enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Anyone who purchases a pair of the 744 LTD boots will receive a special gift, and anyone who attends can enter to win a pair of 1000 Mile boots.

FASHION CONFESSIONS: SWATHI NARRA Co-Founder of Luxemi.com

photo by: Kyle Lamere

Swathi Narra graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in International Management. After living in NYC and working at Bad Boy Entertainment as the Executive Coordinator to Sean “P.Diddy” Combs she moved to Los Angeles to attend Law School where she focused on Entertainment Law. Swathi is currently a licensed attorney and the co-founder of Luxemi.com, a start-up based in Chicago that focuses on the rental and retail of Indian Inspired clothing and accessories. Luxemi, essentially a Rent the Runway meets Shopbop for luxury Indian apparel, carries the best of Indian design and craftsmanship- no passport required!

WHAT’S YOUR FASHION ADDICTION?
Anything with a global, ethnic edge. I love prints, vibrant colors, mixed patterns, and embroidery!

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE CHICAGO FASHION STYLE?
Hmm, I think a few styles in Chicago are equally represented and it almost depends on neighborhood! Overall, I'd say the look is Urban Classic with a few über trendy moments.

WHOSE YOUR STYLE ICON?
Diane Kruger can pretty much do no wrong in my eyes. She's effortless, fashion-forward, and still manages to look comfortable all at the same time.

WHAT’S THE MOST PRIZED POSSESSION IN YOUR CLOSET?
My mom and grandmothers vintage Indian jewelry. I somehow convinced my mother to part with her ruby & diamond finger rings that belonged to my grandmother on a recent trip home. Still not sure how I got away with that one.

WHICH DESIGNERS DO YOU WORSHIP?
I love the theatricality of Jon Galliano and everything he did at Dior and If I could wear something by Rick Owens every day I'd be a happy lady. I'm also OBSESSED with Indian designers. My favorites are Rohit Bal, Anamika Khanna, Anand Kabra, and Nikasha Tawadey. The craftsmanship, colors, and details are just unreal.

ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
My family and friends.

GET THE LOOK: Camouflage Jeans

One of my fav looks for the fall season!

Images: Zara and Atlantic-Pacific blog.

GET THE LOOK...

COUNTER CLOCKWISE: Denim jacket, $118, by Madewell. Studded camouflage jeans, $59.99, by Zara. Fringe tweed jacket, currently on sale $173 (originally $495), by Rebecca Taylor available at CUSP by Neiman Marcus. Striped knitted sweater, $130, by Aubin & Wills available Net-a-Porter. Skinny jeans in Army Camo, $198, by Current/Elliott Jeans available at Bloomingdales. Short sleeve sweatshirt, $278, by J Brand available at farfetch. Stripe sweatshirt, $69.50, by J.Crew.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Today's Chicago Woman Magazine

TODAY CHICAGO WOMEN, September issue

Photographer: Victor Skrebneski
Stylist: Jessica Moazami
Hair and Make Up: Frances Tsalas
Model: Erin Timm at FACTOR WOMEN Model Management
Stylist assistant: Scarlett Trumpy

With the hair styled like that and some of the clothes the shoot had a BLADER RUNNER feel to it.

My fav pics from the shoot FASHION EXTREME...

Coat, by Comme des Garçons, $2,650, available at ikram. Gloves and scarf, stylist’s own. Sunglasses, by Christian Dior, $295, and “Priscilla in Stripes” heels, by Charlotte Olympia, $895, both available
at Neiman Marcus.

Dress, by Joseph Ribkoff, $204, red scarf, $138, belt, $370, all available at Mary Walter. Heels, by Guiseppe Zanotti Design, $775, available at Neiman Marcus.

Heels, by Guiseppe Zanotti Design, $775, available at Neiman Marcus.

Knit jacket, $690, knit skirt, $490, knit snood, $215, all by Ohne Titel available at ikram. “Lady Peep Spikes” red heels, by Christian Louboutin, $1,395, available at Neiman Marcus.

Heels, by Christian Louboutin, $1,395, and clutch by 3.1 Phillip Lim, $450, both available at Neiman Marcus.

Thank you Neiman Marcus, ikram and Eva Pazola for lending me such Fantastic clothes.