Temple of Glam

When recently asked about my skincare routine, I noticed myself rattling off a laundry list of products that'd make any Sephora associate proud. When said routine was called "complicated", I admitted it: My name is Shaunequa and I'm addicted to skin care. Look, it could be worse; I mean, have you seen "Intervention"?

In contrast to my skin care routine, my makeup needs are minimal. I do not conceal, bronze, or line anything consistently. So when I find a product that offers light coverage for a more flawless finish, I'm all over it.

I first saw Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam at Mercedez Benz Fashion Week. I was impressed by its frothy appeal, color saturation, and super-easy application. So I actually *gasp* bought it because they didn't have a tester in a brown shade (c'mon, Maybelline).

Breezy's Tips:

1) If you're looking for medium-to-full coverage, this is not the product for you. If you, like me, are of the tinted-moisturizer persuasion, give it a go.

2) This foam almost instantly "melts" when it makes contact with hands. My suggestion? Spray foam into the cap and apply it with a sponge or your fingers.

P.S. As of right now, there's only one viable brown-girl hue, Cocoa. I repeat: c'mon, Maybelline.

Inspired by vintage Hollywood stars like Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, this collection offered a glam nod to noir as well as timeless style.

Swing coats...Leather accents...

Silk Chiffon...Cigarette Pants...

Cutout Details...Princess Seams...

Spectacular Beading...Flowing Fabrics...

And here's a video I took...yep, that's Zang Toi and Cynthia Bailey sitting across from me.

Let's play a little game of my iPhone camera versus a professional photog's camera...guess whose wins.

Bold Prints...Gilded Glamour...

Theirs

Mine

Pretty Pleats...Jewel Tones...

Theirs

Mine

What did I learn? Two things. #1 Brazilian cowgirls (the collection's inspiration), are some fashionable chicks. #2 I need to bring my real camera next season.

Images courtesy of: Jay Shep Photography

Let's call them the four Rs: Retreat. Relax. Renew. Recharge. On a rainy Thursday afternoon, all four are welcomed into my world. I luckily had a chance to connect with some great folks and chomp on goodies created by Katrina Cunning. We also took away gift bags full of ah-mazing stuff like NYX Cosmetics, a Rumba Time Watch and the prettiest earrings from Stone Savant Jewelry (pic below). And since it was a Glamazon Diaries event, of course male models stopped by...

I was more than a little obsessed with the black truffle & thyme popcorn...

Makeda and Jordana...

One of the aforementioned male models...

Alex of Kenton Magazine and fashion stylist, Mia...

Here are the earrings you will see me donning everywhere very soon...

That evening, I stopped by Sephora at Columbus Circle to fete the end of fashion week at Ty's & Christen's Relax, Renew, Recharge event.

AT&T sponsored, this event was a great opportunity to catch up with folks and find new beauty products to "need". A very special part of the evening was winning the first of many giveaways (including AT&T smartphones!)

After rapping with Ehmonie of WhatsHaute.com and Lisa of "Yours in Bridal" fame, I made a bee line to the Bliss and Boscia sections with my $25 gift card. I loved my new gift card. See?

Structure, structure, structure...Mandarin collars...chic Colorblocking...Oversized outerwear...Color pops and a super-edgy take on Peplum...

BTW,  I thought this model just refused to look at my iPhone camera...apparently she also did the sour-puss thing with Zimbio.

All images are courtesy of Zimbio. Well, except this crappy one; it's courtesy of my iPhone.

Images courtesy of: Will Ragozzino/BFAnyc.com

I gotta say that I look forward to quite a few things during fashion week: Checking out the season's must-buy looks, catching up with blogger buddies, spotting fun street style, cupcakes & champagne, beauty lounges, and the Glam Media dinner. Last season, I was blown away by the bevy of incredible guests mingling at Fred's at Barney's. The food? Even I, the pickiest eater around enjoyed every morsel of food served. So this season, I knew I'd be there...with bells on. Well actually, there were no bells, but I did saunter into Soho House in a topcoat that I want to make out with on a daily basis. Plus, this season the dinner was sponsored by fashion-week darling, American Express...swanky.

Anywhoo, I saw the other fantastic Glam Media publishers, including the lovely Tineey, Ty, Danielle, and Raijean. We had a blast celebrating the commencement of fashion week, talking fashion (and boys), and meeting new people.

I truly think our table had the most fun. I also think I am biased.

I had a few reasons for this season's abbreviated fashion week schedule. The main one is I felt it important to dodge the PETA paint that would inevitably splash the fur-clad folks stomping into the tents. Call it a misguided phobia, but getting caught in an impromptu red-paint "bloodbath" is terrifying.

Another?  The frenetic pace of fashion week has often left me exhausted, famished, and with a pile of laundry the height of Mt. Kilimanjaro; I'm already a step ahead: my fall 2012 schedule yielded a simple molehill.

That said, I attended a handful of exceptional shows and events that I'm super excited to share with you!

The Daily Lounge photo courtesy of Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

Since fashion week began, I've neglected my household duties something awful. In fact, I probably should be ashamed to admit that I can now go swimming in my dirty clothes. But yeah, I'm not. I will say that checking out gorgeous designs and hanging with the girls in the lounges have been well worth it. Here's a rundown of my favorite lounges this fashion week.

The Daily Lounge

There were a bunch of cool-looking folks here and yet, this swanky place felt spacious and inviting. I will certainly use John Freida  Frizz-Ease 3 day-straight as I chug Liquid Lightning. I say this since I'll be stretching out my relaxer this month and well, things could get intense. Well played, The Daily.

Fashion Indie-Spa Week Lounge

#1 I met a fellow Brathwaite (Lester, a Fashion Indie editor). #2 I got the coolest manicure (vibrant, 80s pop art-Keith Haring colors). #3 Said manicure was done to perfection. Seriously, that's a big deal. If you've ever had a free manicure before, you know what I know: you typically get what you pay for.

Kimmie Smith for Sebago @ Robert Verdi's Lounge

From Saturday brunch to HSN appearances, Kimmie Smith is everywhere. I was so psyched to celebrate her new line for Sebago. I also chilled with her mom and sister. Total family affair. And the shoes are oh-so Kimmie. You'll see me rocking the orange and green joints soon, no doubt.

Lia Sophia Lounge

Last season, I was introduced to this purveyor of delish costume jewelry. This go-around, the spring collection did not let me down--at all. I snatched up a statement piece and a classic mesh necklace that doubles as a belt (on days I don't inhale honey-butter biscuits, of course).

All photos by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

I had no idea when I pulled out my gray dress that I'd be the sartorial manifestation of introspective elegance. I know, deep. But when I read the vision for the VLOV-QingQing Wu show, it was crystal clear. The gray represented introspective elegance while the blue and white depicted hope. I'm down with that. Here are highlights (including video).

Here's a video clip from the show!

...and here's my introspectively elegant gray dress--though I'm not sure what the fuschia bra straps mean.

P.S. If you look really, really hard, you'll see me (with my iPhone) on the right side of the runway next to the blond girl.

What do you get when you have eight burgeoning designers, supima cotton, and add in a little Rachel Zoe? You get the Supima Design Competition. The challenge for all eight designers was to create designs using "superior" pima (or supima) cotton.

I'm more than a little obsessed with contest winner, Jusil Carroll's unique take on the evening gown; it's equipped with an architectural hip detail, denim train, and leather embellishments. You know I love my leather.

Here's footage from the show...so many talented designers, so little time. Well, two minutes to be exact.

I am a girl of many, many crushes. If you know me even a little, you know that all too well. You've heard me go on about Kanye and Usher ad infinitum. And then there's Pharrell. When I saw the YouTube video of him acting a fool ("C'mon baby, let's eat, let's eat, let's eat") in a fast food restaurant in France, I was further smitten. So when I was invited to attend the Ultimate Girls' Night out event sponsored by Qream by Pharrell, um...yeah.

The night started as any good event should, with a scrumptious drink. I had Qream Peach on the rocks. OMG seriously, it was so out-of-this-world tasty. I heard the other girls raving about the Chocolate Dipped Strawberries with Qream Strawberry and Godiva Chocolate Vodka, but I'm a loyalist; I didn't stray from my peach. Ya hear that, Pharrell? I'm a keeper.

Post manicure and pedicure, I mozied over to the Stella & Dot station. I fell in love with a couple of pieces including the light-as-a-feather bronze bib necklace. And not for nothing, this silver and black chain went perfectly with my outfit. But I was a good girl; I didn't dash out the door with it. See, Pharrell? Another excellent trait for a mate: I'm not a thief.

Check out more pics from the event!

...And you know I had to share Pharrell's YouTube video. His interpretive dance is phenom.

QREAM WITH A QTM is a one-of-a-kind cream liqueur. It was created by an inspired alliance between Diageo and Grammy Award-winning musician, cultural ambassador and style visionary, Pharrell Williams. Williams was instrumental in the development of the liqueur’s creation – from taste and bottle design to marketing and advertising. Available in the U.S. in two flavors – Strawberry Crème and Peach Crème – Qream is 99% lactose free at 12.5% ABV. Please drink responsibly. Oh, and check out Qream on Facebook!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Qream via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Qream.

Josie Natori created a serene, Japanese tea ceremony to present her fall 2011 collection.

Here are some of my favorite looks.

Wide leg pants are still going strong.

Chunky accessories played a HUGE role (get it...HUGE?).

And speaking of accessories, this scarf is leather..lea-ther.

Madame Natori. Tell me how someone so tiny can be such a powerhouse!

Behold, the SPIRITUAL WARRIOR: where the heavenly veil meets the earthly turban.

OK imagine a BRAIDED flapper-era dress made with a sweetheart neckline. Seriously, the pic doesn't do it justice. This dress is like Supreme Court justice and my pic is more like TV court justice (from a fashion perspective).

I was awe-struck when I saw the model's fingers; they almost looked like they were dipped in black paraffin wax. My backstage beauty friend will give me the story and I'll report back. Oh-oh-oh you can also see a close up of MY dress!

Wanna see more Mara Hoffman 2011? Check out my photo album!

Press credentials? Check. Comfortable footwear? Check. Caffeinated beverage? Check-a-roo! I'm so excited to give you all the scoop from New York Fashion Week for another season. Follow me on Twitter for instant updates!

Along with a challenge to attend more shows each season, I jotted down a few more goals for myself. If you have any other ideas, holler at your blogger:

1. Meet great people.

2. Document crazy-fashionable street style.

3. Spot ALT and tell him that I love him.

Image courtesy of www.counterfeitchic.com

4. When randomly photographed behind celebs like *ahem* DVF, DON'T get caught making a butt-terrible facial expression (this stupid expression is almost comparable to a facial tick. Yes, I'm considering psychotherapy.)

5. Have fun! Whether standing on line waiting for a show or getting chummy with a new Twitter friend, I will remember I'm very lucky to be there and share EVERYTHING I see with you.

Remember last season when I literally brushed shoulders with Rachel Zoe? If you weren't following me on Twitter, you missed that fashion action. Who knows what'll happen this season!

So be sure to follow me Twitter.com/TempleofGlam as I report live from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2011!

Click here to enter the Shop Bop-DVF Contest!

Gotta tell ya, I've seen, heard, and learned quite a few things this past week. So I figured I'd do a little recap to fill you in on the scoop.

Thursday 9/9:

Picked up my press credentials in the evening and walked to Lincoln Center. I only checked out the exterior so I could save the whimsy of the interior for  Friday: my first day of shows!

Friday 9/10:

Madonna mia! Walking into the tents for the first time was like walking into Oz. There was even a guy in an alphabet suit (like the male counterpart of "Miss One" from "The Wiz"). He was exquisite. So many people swirling around in a sartorially eloquent tailspin. Of course some, like Rachel Zoe, were standing and posing (Will tell you my Rachel Zoe story when we get to Saturday's festivities)! As I rubbed my eyes in disbelief, "seriously, Beverly Johnson is right across from me?", I waited in line for my first show of the season...

Edition Georges Chakra: I spied with my heavily-mascara'd eye, Kelly Rowland with a dope new asymetrical cut in the front row. I also saw one woman in the standing line somehow make her way to the front row! It was magic. And speaking of magic, here are a couple of my favorite looks from the show.

Images courtesy of Huffington Post

Ports 1961:

After holding my chocolate Diet Muscle Milk until it was warm (it's suggested that you drink that jammy chilled), I realized I hadn't eaten and should probably give this gluten-free,  protein-enriched drink a go. Yo the chick from Georges Chakra was seats away from Miss Jay in the front row. And then the show started...I was so uplifted by the looks. Totally something for everyone.

After that, I prepped for Fashion's Night Out...

As you might remember, I had a pretty aggressive schedule for the night. As you might imagine, eh, things didn't go exactly as planned.

Charlotte Ronson "I Heart Ronson" Event at JC Penny:

Only Charlotte Ronson could get me to traverse friggin Herald Square on such a busy night. When there, the front section of the Manhattan Mall (yup), was roped off and on the small, sectioned-off  island, stood fashion industry folks, white wine, DJ Samantha Ronson, and mini cupcakes. One of the models wore the most incredible parachute-short pants (I saw her the next day at the tents and she told me it was a skirt)!

Diane Von Furstenberg-HP Event

Now this folks, marks the beginning of my DVF weekend. I caught the end of the event and though I missed the photo booth, I would experience it the next day at the CFDA Accessories panel with Alexis Bittar and other esteemed CFDA members. Stay tuned for that and much more in part two of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week S/S '11: This...Is...the Remix!