Dana Does The Isabelle Armstrong Show

One of the most important decisions a bride makes when she's planning for her wedding is the dress she'll walk down the aisle in. Will it be a ballgown, merrmaid, A-Line, or sheat dress? The possibilities are endless. I'm not a bride (yet that is) but I was almost rendered speechless at the gorgeousness that was Isabelle Armstrong's 2016 Spring Collection. Visions of tulle and lace filled the room as the models walked in Armstrong's latest creations. The gowns shown were a mix of drama and elegance, simple yet complex, and full of romance. The collection was inspired by the magnificence of a diamond, because diamonds are strong, brilliant and extraordinary. Take a look at the stunning gowns below. 

*Dana Norman is TheBGCitizen for the East Coast

Dana Does the Nordstrom's Beauty Trend Event In New Jersey

If you're woman like me that loves ALL things beauty, then please do yourself a favor and attend one of Nordstrom's Beauty Trend Events.  In a nutshell, it's a chance to get one-on-one time with beauty experts; they'll share tips and tricks while pampering you with a complimentary skin consultation and/or makeover. And to top it off, you'll get a TON of free samples. Oh and it’s free! Now although that sounds good, honestly I wasn’t that excited. I've been to these "events" before at other department stores and I always left feeling like I knew more than the "expert." I would also feel rushed because it was always jammed packed and that "one –on-one" time was more like "one-on-none". I never felt like I had their undivided attention. 

Nordstrom, however, surpassed my expectations.  I made my reservations about a week earlier with a woman named Paula; she asked what brands I was most interested in because as she said she "wanted to make sure I had a personalized experience."  Once I got there, Paula greeted me with open arms, introduced me to some staff then ushered me to get a facial. Toni, the esthetician for Kate Somerville hooked me up.

This woman spent over an hour with me educating me on skincare and also doing my facial. I loved that she was so patient with explaining everything to me and answering my million questions. As you can see from the pics, I was totally into it. I loved the way my skin looked and felt afterwards. I have extremely oily skin, but my skin felt soft and looked refreshed; dewey but not greasy, lol. Once I was done with my facial it was time to get beautified and Danaya from Nars was the lady to do it.

I knew I was in for a treat because Danaya's look was fierce. She asked me what I wanted and I said she could do anything. She gave me a purple smoky eye with a nice pink lip.  I really liked how the look came together. The whole experience was awesome. I got a chance to play in makeup, mingle with other staff members and artist, and left with a boatload of goodies. I couldn't have asked for a better time!

*Dana Norman in the BGCitizen for the East Coast. 

Dana Does NYFW2: Korto Momolu Show Presented by SheaMoisture

I was so excited to attend Project Runway's alum Korto Momolu's show.  I felt a little lump in my stomach when they couldn't find my name on the list at check in. However, once I told them who I was there with sponsor Shea Moisture they checked me in with no problem and ushered me upstairs to get backstage access.

Korto's and Shea Moisture's staff was pleasant and welcoming.  The first person I noticed was celeb MUA Renny Vasquez (I follow him on Instagram). He's worked with Gabriel Union, Brandy and Niecy Nash. I knew immediately he was the Lead Artist because of an Instagram post he sent a day earlier.  I could see why Renny was so successful. Not only was he super talented but he was very humble and down to earth.  When asked what the inspiration was behind the model's looks, he told me he got a sneak peek of Korto's collection and since the colors were vibrant and bold, he wanted the models' to have a bold pop of color on the lips. 

Face

    1.     SheaMoisture Primer was applied to the entire face to even skin texture and provide a clean palette.

2.     SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Pressed Powder was applied all over the face with a damp sponge.

3.     SheaMoisture Color Correcting,Contouring & Highlighting Palette was applied with a damp sponge and blended with a foundation brush to sculpt the sides of nose, cheekbones and jawline.

4.     SheaMoisture Illuminating Powderwas applied to cheekbones, hairline and jawline with a kabuki brush for a glow effect.

5.     SheaMoisture Mineral Blush in Annecy Maroon was applied to the apples of the cheeks for a pop of warm color.

Eyes:

1.     SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Eye Shadow in Claudia was applied with a damp slanted brush to the brows to define and fill in color.

2.     SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Eye Shadow in Celia was applied all over the eye and brow bone as a base.

3.     SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Eye Shadow in Montana was applied on the lid and blended, and then applied under the eye corner-to-corner and blended.

4.     SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Eye Shadow in Claudia was dabbed on the outer eyelid for intensity.

5.     SheaMoisture Liquid Eyeliner in Black was applied to upper and lower lash line, corner-to-corner.

6.     SheaMoisture Lengthening Mascarawas applied to upper and lower lashes.

Lips:

1.     SheaMoisture Lip Exfoliator was applied to the lips and excess was wiped off with a tissue, leaving moisture on the lips.

2.     SheaMoisture Lip Crayon in Robertawas applied all over the lips as a lip color and liner.

3.     The final touch was a generous layer ofSheaMoisture Lip Gloss in Rosie for shine and a hint of color.

SheaMoisture Products Used:                                                                                                                       

·          SheaMoisture Primer - $15.99

·     SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Pressed Powder - $14.99

·     SheaMoisture Color Correcting, Contouring & Highlighting Palette - $24.99

·     SheaMoisture Illuminating Powder - $11.99

·     SheaMoisture Mineral Blush - $5.99

·     SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Eye Shadow - $4.99

·     SheaMoisture Liquid Eyeliner - $8.99

·     SheaMoisture Lengthening Mascara - $8.99

·     SheaMoisture Lip Exfoliator - $7.99

·     SheaMoisture Lip Crayon - $9.99

·     SheaMoisture Lip Gloss - $9.99 Product Availability: www.Target.com

After speaking with him I got a chance to briefly meet Korto, who was also very nice and down to earth.  When asked why she decided to partner with Shea Moisture for her show she said, "It's a no brainer, they get me and I get them."

Now on to the fashion.  I was lucky enough to snag a seat in the front row.  From start to finish this collection was beautiful. I oohed and aahhed at every model that strutted the runway.  They looked like goddesses in long flowy chiffon gowns in hues of blues and beiges. There were also some bold asymmetrical pieces in fun colors of oranges and corals. The collection was also very wearable. There was nothing in the collection that the average woman couldn't wear. I wanted every piece. Now if only my bank account would allow that lol!

* Dana Norman is TheBGInTheCitizen for the East Coast

Dana Goes to NYFW: Harlem's Fashion Row Presents 7th Annual Fashion Show and Style Awards

I live for NYFW and have always imagined myself right in the throes of it. Sitting front row, smizing with my legs carefully crossed for the right photo-op; mingling with A-list celebs...you get the picture.  So when I got an opportunity to attend two shows I jumped at the chance.  The first event I attended was for Harlem's Fashion Row and Style Awards. 

HFR is a movement to provide a platform for up and coming designers of color. The event started with a brief awards ceremony celebrating Editor and Lifestyle Expert Emil Wilbekin, former supermodel Beverly Johnson and Huffington Post editor Julee Wilson. 

Afterwards, collections from Byron Lars, K. Milele and Harlem Haberdashery were showcased.  Byron's collection dazzled with patterns and textures combined with classic silhouettes, while K.Milele's designs were bright, colorful and featured tons of resort like pieces.  Finally Harlem Haberdashery strutted with dope menswear pieces that consisted of fur lined coats and tailored suits. 

Seated in the front row was a who's who of industry elite including Bravo's Bevy Smith, Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson, Jacqui Reid and Beyoncé's famed stylist Ty Hunter.  

The night ended with a reception that included cocktails and hors d'oeurves.

*Photos including Dana are her own. Professional Photo Credit: Bennett Raglin

*Dana Norman is one of TheBGInTheCitizens for the East Coast