BEHIND THE LENS AT FASHION WEEK NYC
• October 19, 2011

At last season’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, I was fortunate to get a photo of Vogue’s big three: Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington and Tonne Goodman as they looked down the runway at Carolina Herrera’s show. This season, I thought I would try and get Project Runway’s big three: Michael Kors, Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum. So I took the Amtrak train at four in the morning from D.C. to New York hoping to catch the runway show at 9 a.m. I would have left the night before, but I was hosting an event with CUSP in Georgetown for FNO.

As tired as I was from not getting any sleep, I hoped the excitement would carry me through the day. After picking up my press credentials, I stood in line to get in for Project Runway. A few minutes before the show, the producers announced that only certain people would get inside. I wasn’t one of them. It marked only the second time that I didn’t get in a show that I wanted to see.

The next three days proved to be more successful. The highlight would have to be when Valentino walked in before DVF’s show. He stood a few feet away from me and for a moment, I froze. You spend hundreds of hours standing and waiting at the press pit hoping to get a good photo. There are photographers literally sitting on your feet. It is far from glamorous. But when you have the opportunity to photograph Valentino, Anna Wintour, or Diane von Furstenberg as she passes out American flags on 9/11 after her show, you realize that it’s all worth it.

Since 2007, Walter Grio has raised over $77,000 through his philanthropy photo project, Shoot for Change, which has benefited numerous nonprofit organizations. Additionally, he is a regular attendee at the world renowned Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York and Miami. Four of his photographs were selected by Vogue Italia as part of their PhotoVogue collection. Walter resides in Arlington, Va.
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Always
• July 26, 2011

Dress: “Wallis” silk tulle drop waist ball gown designed by Modern Trousseau. “Wallis” sash with beaded embroidery. Available at Hitched Bridal Couture in Georgetown.

Pendant: Enhancer featuring diamond brilliant round set in 5 hearts at Adeler Jewelers in Great Falls
18 KTY white gold and diamond over 12.0 carats of brilliant diamonds set in an open lattice work design.

Ring: 14KTY two tone, featuring Blue Spinel bezel mounted diamond set in half moon filligree details of Adeler Jewelers in Great Falls

Floral Design – Ultra Violet Flowers in Georgetown

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Charmed Life
•

A girl who plays the “enchanted knight” by day and glamorous “rock n roller” by night is, in the words of Mick Jagger and by my definition, living a “charmed life”.
Union of Angels fashion designer Cindy Bapst describes her A/W 2010 Collection as “equestrian meets rock n roll.” With easy to wear leather and velvet fitted jackets trimmed with rich brocade detailing over a ruffled blouse, or tops with extreme cuffs and riding pants that are staples for the stables but scream confidence, feminine, and
ultra sexy on the street. From the round table to the rock concert if you dare!

(www.unionofangels.com)[http://www.unionofangels.com]

Photography by Yvonne Taylor
[www.yvonnetaylorphoto.com](http://www.yvonnetaylorphoto.com)
Makeup an styling Lauretta McCoy
[www.laurettajmccoy.com](http://www.laurettajmccoy.com)
Hair, Master Stylist- Michelle Viscal{
Model: Stefanie Ball of Modelogic Wilhelmina

Beauty Notes By Lauretta McCoy
I recommend the Dior 5-Colour Designer Eye Palette. They come in 5 different color schemes that are all fabulous and easy to use.
Satin finish top shimmer
Light reflection
Creamy water proof eyeliner
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Knock Out Abuse A Night For Fashion
•

Description of Pictures in order of appearance:

All that Glitters is Gold
Caroline Horrigan, a committee member for the Knock Out Abuse event Thursday night, was gorgeous in gold. Her strapless Aidan Maddox dress was the perfect cocktail party dress. Holidays, here we come.

One of a Kind
The ultra-stylish Sisy Lates looked stunning in her silver Halston dress with crystal neckline at the Ritz on Thursday night. The peep-toe Christian Louboutin shoes and sparkle drop earrings added to the elegance. This is style at its best.

Green Goddess
Denyse Aaron had the ladylike look down to perfection in her green jeweled-tone Dolce & Gabbana dress. Top that with her super cool Vera Wang strappy heels and you have sheer sophistication. Mad Man, here she comes

Timeless Beauty
There are super models and then there are legends — Lauren Hutton is both. She was a standout Thursday night at the Knock Out Abuse dinner in her vintage Georgio Armani navy pinstripe suit and 1930s Joseph of Hollywood statement pin. Now, if the only rest of us could take beauty lessons from her.

Rock & Roll
Sharon Bradley knows how to spice up the, sometimes, dull little black dress. She rocked her edgy Herv’e Leger cut- out black dress and sexy black Prada heels. No color needed here.

Mix and Match
Sometimes dresses can miss as a fashion statement. This dress is one of these times — a shirt with a skirt, turned into a dress whose patterns do not match. If in doubt, please stay simple — it is always best.
Into the Wild
I love animal prints, but a little goes a long way. This glitzy Zebra jacket/ dress over powers this woman. Maybe a much shorter jacket and a cute red bag would suit her better.
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Secret Valor
•

In keeping with the season of designs, with strong military emphasis, sprinkled with soft, feminine undergarments being worn as outerwear, we celebrate the gallantry of bold garments that call to action our “Secret Valor”.

Photo by Yvonne Taylor
Styling & Makeup by Lauretta J McCoy
Model- Megan from Cima Fashions
Hair- Milory Harried [gallery ids="99573,104856,104849,104853" nav="thumbs"]

Skin Care for your Big Day
•

 

-You’re Engaged! You’ve landed the perfect guy, you’ve got a beautiful ring, you’ve found your dream dress, booked the perfect venue, hired an amazing photographer, arranged for stunning floral displays—the works. Your wedding is going to be perfect, and you are going to look gorgeous.

As a makeup artist, my philosophy is that every woman is beautiful; makeup is just the icing on the cake. When I make up a bride, I want everyone to say, “Wow! She looks stunning!”

What I don’t want people to say is, “I love your eye-shadow. Where can I get that?”

I believe makeup should enhance your natural beauty. Someone once told me, “Your fragrance should never occupy a room that you don’t.” I think we can apply this theory to makeup styles as well. You want your face to look beautiful and flawless, and a flawless look starts with your skin.

The most common request I hear from brides is that they don’t want a heavy foundation that is caked on, but they want their skin to look even and clear. Now, a good makeup artist can make your skin look flawless in any condition. It’s what we do! However, I always recommend that a bride begin a good skin care regimen well in advance.

Ideally, you should visit a skincare specialist at least four to six months in advance, and have your skin evaluated so that you can begin the proper regimen for your skin type. In case you are not able to do this, don’t worry. These tips will help you, even if you start as few as three weeks in advance.

Most important, and I can’t stress this enough, DRINK!

No, not shots. I’m talking about water! It is so important that you keep your body well hydrated. And those delicious Starbucks treats, packed with wonderfully energizing caffeine, can dehydrate and create the appearance of fine lines. Water helps to rid your body of toxins, and that will help improve your overall skin condition. Remember, if you enjoy a caffeinated or alcoholic beverage: add at least one to two glasses of water to what you normally drink.

It is also critical that you eat healthy. Try and cut back on salty and greasy foods. Although snacks are tasty, salt can make your body retain fluids, which can cause your face to appear puffy. Greasy foods may cause breakouts. Try to eat a healthy, well balanced diet and avoid junk foods.

Now that we’ve covered crunch-time skin care musts, let’s talk about my favorite topic: makeup! You want to look perfect, but everyone’s idea of perfection is different.

Look at bridal magazines and find looks that you love and looks that you hate. This will help both you and your makeup artist when discussing how you want to look. Remember to take the advice of your artist as well. Your makeup artist should be able to discuss with you exactly what you like, explain how it will look on you, and recommend a lip color or eye shade that might better suit your skin tone and enhance your features. Your makeup should always be an enhancement of your natural beauty.

Schedule a makeup trial. Try and schedule this for a day that you plan on going out with your friends. That way you get to wear the makeup out for a night, get your friends opinions, and see how you feel about the look. If you have decided that you would like to wear false lashes for your wedding, have them applied for the trial. This way you will know what they feel like for several hours and you will know what to expect on your wedding day.

Finally, take a personal day. Every bride-to-be should find some time, even if it’s only for an afternoon one to two days before the wedding, to de-stress. Schedule a massage or a manicure and pedicure. This will help you relax and l….

For more information or tips visit Gina online! or email Gina@GinaRobinsonMUA.com

Splash: 2010 Swimsuits
•

No time for scrambling to the gym to carve off those extra inches. The heat is on! But don’t worry. Don’t break a sweat. I got your back. Whether you, like supermodel and Victoria’s Secret siren Naomi Campbell, choose to work out with gyrotonics or you’re into brisk power walks around the neighborhood like me, get ready to shed the clothes. Make a splash this season with color, style and whimsy. Sip your favorite poolside refreshment while showing off those sexy curves.

From the nostalgia-inspired ruffle bikini by Jean Paul Gaultier to the divine daisy print, rainbow-colored vintage swim wear of the ’50s, these suits have been masterfully crafted to show off and create those flattering feminine lines. Skillfully positioned darts and bias cut patterns place the right attention in the right places — if you know what I mean. Skin in or skin out, wet or dry, you’ll turn heads and make the fabulous fashion list. Oh, and don’t forget your SPF 30. You’ll need it, because these swimsuits are sizzling and oh-so-cool.

Credits:
Fashion Editor, Photography: Yvonne Taylor
Creative Director for Fashion, Stylist: Lauretta McCoy
Makeup: Lauretta McCoy
Hair: Milroy Harried
Lighting: Michael Wilson
Model: Gabby, for CIMA Talent
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The Original Rules of Tennis
•

It’s tennis season, and you need to know what it takes to look fashion-savvy in Washington or Wimbledon. Let us give you some ideas for looking great on and off the court. Game, set, match!

Fashion Editor/Photographer:
Yvonne Taylor
www.yvonnetaylorphoto.com

Creative Director/Makeup Artist:
Lauretta J. McCoy
www.laurettajmccoy.com

Model:
Juanita for CIMA Fashion
www.cimafashion.com

Hair:
Milroy Harried [gallery ids="99181,103244,103260,103249,103257,103254" nav="thumbs"]

Going Places
•

Fall fashion is elegant, easy and just right for you girls on the go! From the runways to your closet, looking fabulous for fall is here.

Yvonne Taylor: Fashion Editor and Photographer

Lauretta McCoy: Creative Director for Fashion [gallery ids="99193,103331,103324,103328" nav="thumbs"]

It’s A Wonderful Life
• January 19, 2011

Custom, consignment, vintage and fresh off the runways of Paris, London and Milan, right in your own backyard. Fashion to fit your Holiday budget and properly accessorize and brighten your special occasions with yuletide and cheer.

Yvonne Taylor, Fashion Editor/Photographer
Lauretta McCoy, Creative Director for Fashion/Makeup and Styling

www.YvonneTaylorPhoto.com
www.LaurettJMcCoy.com
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