I make no bones about my penchant for resale and thrift-store clothes shopping. Those higher-end labels that I may not be able to afford new, I can often find gently used or unworn for just a few dollars at these outlets.
Speaking of higher-end resale items, Women and Children First, the domestic violence shelter, announced its fourth annual Pop Up Shop. The event will take place Thursday through Saturday at 12501 W. Markham St. in Little Rock -- the space formerly occupied by Luby's Cafeteria. Featured at bargain prices will be gently used designer clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as new items donated from some of Little Rock's notable boutiques. All proceeds benefit the agency.
The shop will make its debut via a Shop & Sip Preview Party from 5-8 p.m. Thursday. The event will offer hors d'oeuvres, wine and first dibs at the merchandise. Tickets are $30. The shop will then operate from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Admission at the door each day will be $5.
For tickets and updates for the event, visit wcfarkansas.org.
THIS IS IT!
Just like that ... It came. It Cosmetics, that is.
I recently received samples of the latest products by It Cosmetics, a makeup and skin-care line developed with plastic surgeons and designed not just to look pretty but to solve problems. These products tackle skin issues faced by mature women, young women with acne and other blemishes, women with redness and those with dull skin.
I tried the Bye Bye Lines Foundation, designed to whisk away complexion imperfections, lines and wrinkles in Deep shade, an exact skin-tone match. As advertised, the makeup looks smooth, matte, slightly luminous and like it was applied by a professional. The CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder Illumination SPF 50+ in Deep is a bit lighter than the foundation and takes a bit of blending in the same shade, but the results are worth it. The precise Superhero Liner is aptly named for those who usually make a mess applying eyeliner.
A co-worker says the flawless finish foundation might draw her away from the mineral foundation she now wears. She also tried the Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer Pot for dark circles. We both like its consistency. "The product actually stays and doesn't play," she adds. We also agree on the line's brow products. "Unlike most one-size-fits-all products, the Brow Power Powder in Universal Taupe does seem universal, and it goes on like a dream with dual-ended Heavenly Luxe Brow Power Universal Transformer Brush," she says.
Another co-worker tried the Bye Bye Redness Moisturizer but feels she needs a bit more moisturizing capability. She favors the Bye Bye Redness Correcting Cream. "Thought it was too drying and too pale at first. [But] I was applying it with a brush and I think I was just using too much product," she says. She switched to dabbing it on with her fingertips, then blending with a sponge.
It Cosmetics' newest offerings are $24-48 at Ulta Beauty, QVC, Sephora and Itcosmetics.com.
BEAUTY EXPO PART I
The 2017 Shades of Beauty Expo-Arkansas will take place Sept. 30 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. The event lists a fourfold goal: "to celebrate the essence of women of color"; provide them with opportunities to learn the latest techniques for hair care, styling and makeup application; help them gather information about products tailored to their particular cosmetic and health-care needs; and offer strategies for self-care. The day will begin with the 10 a.m. Ambassadors of Beauty Brunch, honoring those who have worked to foster health and beauty among women. The expo runs noon-6 p.m.
Expo-only tickets are $5-$10 each; brunch tickets are $20. Visit shadesofbeautyexpo.com.
BEAUTY EXPO PART II
Anyone who doesn't get her fix at the Shades of Beauty Expo will have a chance to get it the very next day ... at the Oct. 1 event Naturals on the River. Hosted by Natural Hair Lingo Apparel, this ode to the natural-hair movement among black women is scheduled for noon to 8 p.m. in the pavilions behind the River Market's Ottenheimer Market Hall, 400 President Clinton Ave. in Little Rock. Awaiting guests will be food, music, exhibitors, vendors, a fashion show, spoken-word poetry, a natural-hair pageant and more. Tickets are $15-$35. Visit eventbrite.com.
FALLING FOR FASHION
Though I hate to see summer go I'm excited about fall, especially in light of the fact that my aforementioned thrift-store shopping yielded some vintage finds that line up with several of the trends.
Here are my top five trend picks:
• The color brown. "Brown replaced beige as fashion's 'it' neutral," according to the article "Top 15 Fall 2017 Fashion Trends from New York Fashion Week," posted at Thefashionspot.com.
• Velvet. "Velvet is to Fall 2017 what ruffles were to Spring 2017," according to the Fashion Spot piece.
• Men's looks that include oversize blazers and coats.
• Shoulder pads. They weren't all linebacker in the day and, in moderation, they're actually slimming.
• The color red, a personal favorite. Look for it in all hues, from burgundy to candy-apple and fire-engine.
• Fishnets in the form of tights as well as outfit details.
Dressing Room appears monthly. Send fashion-related tips and news releases to:
hwilliams@arkansasonline.com
High Profile on 09/10/2017