Olivia Chantecaille and I go way back, having first met six or seven years ago when I interviewed the striking beauty guru for a shopping column I used to write for Fashion Wire Daily.

So I was delighted when she recently invited me to Chantecaille’s newly revamped Soho office for a sneak peek at their new collections and the skinny on her not-so-average workday. (Chantecaille was founded by Olivia’s mother, Sylvie, in 1997 – her father, Olivier, and sister Alex now work for the company, as well.)

“Every day is so different, which is the fun part of my job,” Olivia told me as we sat in a corner of the loft-like whitewashed space in front of a display of Chantecaille cosmetics, all of which I was dying to play with. “I wear so many hats. For example, tomorrow I’m going to one of our labs to work on our new spring colors for 2012, which is very exciting. They’re actually a lab based in Italy, outside of Milan, but they have a satellite lab here [in upstate New York] where we can go and mix colors that they’ll produce in Italy. It’s a great, fun place to work with the technicians and be very creative and come up with all the new shades that were inspired by the current fashion trends.”

But before she turned her attention to next spring, I wanted to know what we could expect for Spring/Summer 2011. “This season was about two things: neutrals and color, and the balance between them,” she said. “So if you’re going to wear a lot of color [in your clothing], wear neutral colors on your face — or choose one pop color if you’re wearing neutral clothing.”

There’s also a movement toward very clean, healthy skin this season, which Chantecaille translated into three new products: Poudre de Perle, a mineral blush housed in its own flow-through brush (a similar refillable container houses Chantecaille’s Protection Naturelle loose powder, which contains SPF 46+ for on-the-go touch-ups). Ultra Sun Protection Anti-Glycation Primer, meanwhile, protects against the elements thanks to its collagen-boosting formula and SPF 50+ and can be worn alone or under foundation. For those of us who want to look sun-kissed without the sun damage, there’s Compact Soleil in St. Barth’s, a warm brown shade with sunny golden pearl highlights. Chantecaille’s spring/summer color palette was inspired by sea turtles, one of Olivia’s current obsessions (five percent of the proceeds from the sale of the eye/cheek palette go to WIDECAST, a Caribbean non-profit dedicated to saving sea turtles).

For fall, it’s all about a strong lip or a strong eye. “It’s very powerful and feminine and seductive,” enthused Olivia as she fanned out color copies of her fall inspiration boards. She snapped open a square grey compact to reveal “The New Classic” palette, which is all sophisticated inky plums for the eyes and a shimmery peachy-pink blush, offset by two new Lip Chic lipsticks in rich berry shades of Calla Lily and Violetta. They’re also launching a new version of Mascara Faux Cils, with a peptide that actually helps lashes grow (yes, really).

In addition to serving as Creative Director and the brand’s public face (that’s her gorgeous mug you see in all Chantecaille advertising and store displays), Olivia also personally presents all new products to editors, and designs the preview packaging, and oversees all global PR and US advertising as well – “from handling the accounts to working on the design of the ads.” She touts “the magic of the iPad” with helping her get it all done. “I am on it from the time I wake up until I go to sleep — and it’s also amazing for when I’m traveling.”

“I’m very lucky because I love my family and get along with them very well, so I’m actually very fortunate to work with them,” said Olivia as we prepared to say good-bye. “So it’s a great situation. It may not work for everybody, but it works for me.”

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.

RUE LA LA STYLIST MAUREEN GIVES MEMBERS SPRING-WORTHY SOLUTIONS

Now that winter’s run its course, we’re busy getting prepped for warmer weather (an animal of its own). We asked our lovely Facebook Fans to post their most pressing questions. And one of our Rue stylists, Maureen, has all the answers when it comes to dressing for the season.

Q: What’s the one must-have outfit piece this spring? – Caitlin O.
A: Invest in a dress that can go from day to night. Try the new longer length to pair with flats in the daytime and high wedge espadrilles at night. For day, throw on a woven leather belt and a light cardigan or jean jacket. For night, go for drippy rhinestones to up the glitz.

Q: What’s the rule on nail polish color this season? Toes only? Fingers only? Matching toes & fingers? – Shawn F.
A: We love mixing up fingers and toes, but we try to keep the colors in the same family. Spring for a coral on your fingers and a hot pink on your toes, or try a ballet slipper pink paired with cherry red.

Q: I have purchased many cute tops for spring, but what do I wear them with? Aren’t cropped pants out now? – Cortnie M.
A: Even though the trend right now tends to be a wider, more trouser-y style for spring, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear cropped pants. We love a well-fitted cropped jean with a great wedge heel and a flowy bohemian top.

Q: If I’m just adding three tops to my wardrobe for spring, what type or color should I buy? – Patricia C.
A: One: A lady-like dressy blouse with a tie neck to wear with jeans, a blazer, or a skirt. Two: A striped French sailor T-shirt to serve as a wardrobe staple. Three: A racerback tank in a bold color like yellow or cobalt blue to wear with jeans and partner with a stack of chunky bangles.

Q: Is the 70’s wide-leg high-waisted jean here to stay? What’s a good way to pull this off for people with a short torso who frankly like lower-rise jeans? – Alicia D.
A. Like all trends, it’s unpredictable as to what will stay and what will go. We do predict that a wider leg jean will be around for at least a few seasons and we will be seeing less of the skinny jean. To give the illusion of long legs, try a mid-rise cut and platform heels.

Q: The rules of wearing white… it’s a big debate in the South. I grew up learning that between Easter and Labor Day white is right, but many say that you have to wait until Memorial Day to wear white. And then lately I’m reading that there are no longer rules for white, wear it year round. What is right for white??? – Christy S.
A: The rule of only wearing white between Memorial Day and Labor Day has gone to the wayside. For white jeans or pants, make sure it is a perfect fit and the material is forgiving because white tends to reveal imperfections. We are loving white cotton dresses and skirts too this season. It’s a pretty and fresh addition to any wardrobe.

Q: What is the best color or pattern to add to your wardrobe for spring? – Ann M.
A: A fun trend for spring is mixing patterns. Wear a floral skirt and a striped T-shirt, or mix a bold patterned dress with a smaller patterned jacket. If done right, the look is super chic. ]]> http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/04/22/style-file-your-spring-style-questions-answered/feed/ 3 http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/04/21/fashion-group-international-talks-fall-trends/ http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2011/04/21/fashion-group-international-talks-fall-trends/#comments Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:25:18 +0000 Lauren David Peden http://www.ruelala.com/blog/?p=3891 BY LAUREN DAVID PEDEN/THE FASHION INFORMER

We may be staring down the barrel of summer (someday? maybe? hopefully?) but it was all about fall at Fashion Group International’s (FGI) recent trend seminar. Held in an auditorium at the Time-Life Building in midtown Manhattan, FGI convened a panel of experts to give audience members the low down on next season’s must-haves.

Following a lengthy slideshow (narrated by FGI’s Marylou Luther) that offered an overview of all the trends seen on the runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris — from the ridiculous (chinstrap hats) to the sublime (python accessories) — the illustrious panel took to the stage. The question of great debate: “If fashion follows revolution, is fashion in revolt?” This query was based in part by what’s going on in the world at large (war in the Middle East, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes) and by what’s going on within the fashion industry (designers John Galliano and Christophe Decarnin no longer heading the houses of Dior and Balmain, rehabbed models Kate and Naomi reclaiming the spotlight at Louis Vuitton).

Moderated by Women’s Wear Daily‘s Brigid Foley, the panelists included Mickey Boardman, the Editorial Director of Paper magazine; Ken Downing, the Senior VP and Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus; Marie Claire’s Beauty Director, Ying Chu; and Kirna Zabete co-founder Beth Buccini.

I can’t say the panel ever really answered the fashion revolution question, but they did make some interesting and amusing points — such as the fact that there are waaay too many events on the New York Fashion Week calendar and that fashion shows should strive to be smaller and more intimate, à la TOM FORD’s uber-exclusive outing, rather than over-the-top free-for-alls.

And according to this esteemed group of experts, while you won’t be seeing much chinstrapped headgear off the runway, thankyouverymuch, the trends that are shaping up to be big for fall are… drumroll please…

Puffer coats, capes, the color red, plaid, python, lace, gold, patterned pants, colored fur, long sleeve dresses, tuxedos (aka, “le smoking”), pleats, the pencil skirt, and polka dot everything. Structured handbags and classic (non-platform) pumps are the must-have accessories for fall. And on the beauty front, it’s all about bright red lips and ponytails, both high and low.

You heard it here first!

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.

BY MAKEUP ARTIST AND KEEP ME BLUSHING BLOGGER SAMANTHA MICHELLE

We’re in denial about any shreds of winter left. Full speed to spring, please. Bright colors! Lighter fabrics! We even spotted a pair of bright pink wedges in our midst today.

With Smashbox Cosmetics on our horizon, we turned to Keep Me Blushing blogger, Samantha Michelle, to enlighten us on the color of 2011: sweet, pretty honeysuckle – a mouth-watering, reddish-pink hue. Check out her tips, then let us know if you’ll be up for a little (or a lot) for spring.

I love the color of 2011. It’s happy, warm, and beautiful, and looks great on just about anyone. It’s easy to add this color into your wardrobe and accessories, but don’t forget your makeup bag! Some of you may think this honeysuckle is too bright to wear on your face, but when done correctly it looks so great – especially for spring/summer.

The easiest way to add this color is with nail polish. It looks fresh on fingers and toes – especially on the beach.

Lipstick and lip stain in honeysuckle is so chic. Although this color is bright, it’s absolutely do-able. For long-lasting lip color, fill your lips with the same-color lip liner, then apply lipstick. If this feels a little too bold, a lip stain is a safe alternative.

When wearing honeysuckle on your lips, keep the rest of your face simple. Use foundation and concealer on any problem areas like your eyes, nose, and any blemishes. Bronze all over (Hint: to contour your face, use bronzer on the sides of your nose and under your cheek bones). Use highlighter on your cheek bones, bridge of your nose, arch of your brow, and the corner of your eyes – skip the blush. For your eyes, try a shimmer shadow from your lash line to your eyebrow, and for a nighttime look add black liner to your lash line and the rim of your eyes, then finish with black mascara.

For honeysuckle cheeks, I suggest a cream blush right on the apples of your cheeks and pulled upwards towards your hairline. Set with the same color powder blush. Use lightly and blend. To avoid looking too harsh, skip colored lipstick and opt for nude or a clear gloss. You can do a smokey eye or a natural eye with honeysuckle cheeks. If you want a smokey eye I would do a slate grey instead of purples, greens, or navy.

Have fun with honeysuckle and don’t be intimidated by it. It’s a perfect shock of color for spring days and nights.