Girl, Get Your Go Go On!

When you have a savage shoe addiction (like I do) it stands to reason that you'll also have a mad love affair with handbags (and I do!). A great pair of shoes and a stylin handbag go together like chips and salsa, a cold margarita on a hot day, the smell of nitro and the roar of thunder.

So, of course, I devote time to constantly searching out fun, fab and cool handbags. And what do you know??? I recently stumbled into some new fabulocity, that ties my love of bags into my love of racing!

I found Nitro*A*Go Go! (www.nitroagogo.com)

I am love, love, lovin all over this Sunset Beach bag!

It features a divided interior pocket, black cotton lining, silver d-rings and purse feet, rolled shoulder straps, and ultra plush faux fur trim. Plenty of room pocket space for your cell phone, iPod, makeup, and anything else a busy fashionista needs. And wouldn't you know it? I have the perfect pair of shoes to wear with it too! They're not exactly track appropriate, but who cares?

This one's called the Drag Star bag, and it also has a divided interior pocket, black cotton lining, silver d-rings and purse feet, rolled shoulder straps, silver star strap studs, ultra plush faux fur trim, and matching Pretty Boy Floyd wallet.

All these bags are edgy, cool, and well made.

The Drop Dead Cherry Bomb features Kustom Tuck 'n Roll design, quilted Tahitian Pearl front panel, a divided inside pocket, silver d-ring attachments, rolled straps, silver purse feet, voluptuous red cherries, and ultra plush natural cheetah lining (you know I'm loving that!), and complimented by a matching Pretty Boy Floyd wallet. It comes in a variety of colors, and also has faux fur.




I just had a quick peek at the website again and spotted this gorgeous bag too! Its called Harlow, and I'm thinking I have to have it. In fact, Harlow might just be the new black...

Nitro*A*G0 G0 bags are designed by the fabulous Leeza Diehl, who as life would have it, shares my love of fashion and racing.

Web address: www.nitroagogo.com

Check out the website - she also does custom bags etc if you want to change up colors.

Make sure you bring your Nitro*A*Go Go with you to the races - I will spot you a (quarter) mile off!

Time for a Good Lashing

OK, so its time to tackle some more make up details, and leave the shoes and lingerie alone for a minute!

Today I want to chat to you about mascara. Mascara is one of those products that almost everyone in lady-land uses, but so frequently its all wrong. Oftentimes its a nightmare in a tube, so I'm going to give you my top 10 tips for mascara use. There's actually more than 10, but here we go...

Firstly, let me tell you about the products I use both in my kit and on myself.

My favorite beyond all favorites is the unbelievably fabulous Diorshow Blackout. I use this mascara at home when I want sensational, huge, gorgeous lashes.





I'm convinced that a huge portion of the magic here is in the wand. When I'm working with celebs and models and want some serious lash action I'll take a new tube of Blackout, but as I cant re-use the wand I give the tube to them when we're done.

The other staple mascara in my personal make up arsenal is by MAC and is called Plush Lash. Again its all about the wand, and the lashes are divine.

The mainstay mascaras in my kit are by MAC, particularly Zoom Lash and Pro Lash.


These are great little work horse mascaras. They pack a fabulous punch and don't cost the earth. ( I think they run about $12 each). If you are intimidated by a huge wand, or just feel more at ease using a smaller wand, these are both ideal.
The quality is excellent too.

Here are my Top 10 Mascara Tips:

1) Never use drug store/supermarket brands. I constantly see women with broken or damaged lashes, clumps of lashes missing, irritated skin at the lash line, and the common denominator always seems to be a cheap mascara.
At the risk of alienating the masses I'm telling you to get rid of them. Try the MACs and see what you think.

2) Unless you're planning on swimming or crying, avoid waterproof mascara.
It is so difficult to completely remove, and you can easily wind up damaging your lashes and rubbing the delicate skin around the eye too much.

3) Make sure you remove all your mascara, every night.
Some cleansers will gently dissolve and remove your mascara. If yours doesn't try a good, gentle eye make up remover.

4) Never pump your mascara wand in and out of the tube.
All this does is dry the mascara out prematurely. Instead, swirl the wand around inside the tube.

5) Remove excess mascara from the wand before you start applying it.
You can either use a clean tissue, or run the wand across the opening of the tube (which is what I do!)

6)If you are going to curl your lashes, do it before you put your mascara on.

7) When your mascara starts getting dry or flaking, its time to replace it.
Flakes and bits of mascara dropping below your eyes are not flattering on anyone!
In a pinch if you don't have a replacement tube, put the wand back in and close the tube, then either hold it under hot running water, or sit it in a glass of hot water. This will sometimes liquify it enough to be used.

8) If you have clumps of mascara on your lashes, run a lash groomer thru to remove the clumps and separate the lashes

9) Apply your lower lashes first. If you do the upper lashes first you may get dots of wet mascara on your upper lids when you start to do the lower ones.

10) When applying mascara, take the wand to the base of the lashes, then bring it forward with a slight side to side motion.
Coat the top of the upper lashes before you do the underside.

Remember that big, gooey, clumpy lashes are not fabulous and not sexy! Aim to have the lashes separated, long and full.

And then bat them baby!

Gentlemen, start your engines!

One of my favorite temptations in Las Vegas is the divine emporium of naughtiness, Agent Provocateur.

For the uninitiated, this is not quite (well hopefully not quite) your mother's bra shop. In fact, I would describe it as a luxury lingerie store with a big, heaping spoonful of wicked sprinkled on top!

Agent P is a British import, and has locations nationwide, but not in Phoenix, so I meander on down there when in Sin City. Their clever, drop dead sexy merchandise has been immortalized in print ads featuring Kate Moss. Their fare is titillating yet tasteful, not Fredericks and not Trashy L.

Their window displays are frequently hilarious




The dressing rooms are boudoir style with lace walls, and softly lit, so we all look fabulous and feel comfortable.

I walked into Agent this trip and was greeted by the store mannequin wearing a leopard print cat mask, a corset and a knowing smile. All of which would have been a great sales tool if her plastic eyes hadn't been all wonky, making her look like a cross between a rabid feline and a homicidal maniac. No matter where I was in the store I could feel her demented stare burning holes in my back.
However, she did get me thinking about corsets. And the corsets they are showing this season are beautiful. Black corsets, pink corsets, beige corsets. Something for everyone from sexy to feminine to super cool. Some were wicked and to be hidden under your clothes (or not!), some to be worn with a great pair of jeans and some cracking high heels.
They had a fabulous see through trench coat too, and were showing it with the bathrobes and peignoirs.

I love that the staff are so fun and friendly. I watched them helping men select pieces of perfection for their girlfriends, and put them completely at ease while discussing the naughty stuff. You've gotta admire a fellow who finds his way to buy sexy undies for his girl at Agent P instead of the Hustler store!

Every girl should know that its really rather empowering wearing fine lingerie, no matter where you're going or what you're doing.
If you're in Las Vegas, make sure you go check out Agent Provocateur at the Forum Shops at Ceasar's Palace, and maybe pick yourself up a little piece of fabulicious....

C'est mon reve!

When I go to Vegas I am compelled to go to Cirque du Soleil shows. I'm sure every make up artist out there gets fixated on the spectacular visuals, the sheer majesty of the Cirque shows.

My favorite beyond favorite is Le Reve, which plays at the Wynn.






Now technically its not a Cirque production, and is not on the list of Cirque shows, but it was designed for Steve Wynn by Franco Dragone, the creative director of O, Mystere, La Nouba, Quidam and Alegria. Any Cirque fan watching Le Reve would be hard pressed to tell its not a Cirque du Soleil performance, if indeed there is a way to tell?

Like O, Reve happens in water. 1 million gallons of it, to be precise. The story line follows a series of dreams, with some of the most astounding acrobatics, dance and theatrics you'll ever witness, and indeed feel a part of. The theatre is in the round, seats approximately 2000, with no one further than 40 feet away from the action.
Because it is in the round, there is no "backstage". The sets, and for the most part the performers themselves, either appear from the depths of the water, or soar in from above.
The stages raise and descend seemingly in mere seconds. A performer will run clear across the surface of the pool, and a heartbeat later another will dive from 40 feet high straight into the water, leaving your heart somewhere near your throat.

It takes 175 technicians and crew to support the 68 performers.

The make up artist in me is in awe of the fabrics used in the costumes, especially the red dresses. The girls will perform water ballets, then climb out and dance on the edge of the pool, their skirts swinging with their moves as if dry. (It should be noted that they dance and swim in red heels!) All the costuming is spectacular.




No matter how many production stills and videos I watch, none really do justice to Le Reve. I've included a couple of you tube clips to give you some of the flavor of this genius show, but there is no comparison to actually being there and experiencing it live.






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4f88xxDnro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbl-GJwfQGA

For some reason these aren't linking, but you can always check them out at www.youtube.com

Have a beautiful weekend!

Vegas Baby Vegas!

Oh I just adore Vegas!

I scarcely even bother gambling, to me its such a great place to go shop, window shop, eat, drink and be merry. I love going to shows and live concerts, so I frequently zip out there just for some Cirque action, or to take in a rock concert.

I just got back from a Vegas run, and what fabulicious fun it was!

With the exception of a fun little adventure in March staying at the Palms, I always stay at Mandalay Bay or Bellagio. I have loved them equally and loyally until now...
This trip I stayed at the Venetian for the first time, and am not planning on ever staying anywhere else!



The Venetian and the adjoining Palazzo are suite only hotels, and the suites are to die for! They're no more expensive than the other hotels, which really surprised me. I was in a Bella Suite, which is 650 square feet of gorgeousness and opulence. The Bella's are so well appointed, with extra storage space, so you really can keep it all behind closed doors.
The sunken living room has beautiful furnishings, dining table and chairs, desk with office equiptment such as photocopier and fax (I really loved that! but couldn't think up anyone exciting to send a fax to...) All the small and incidental features were divine too, interesting lamps and light shades, remote control roman window dressings etc.



Bella's come with two queen beds, ideal for travelling with friends, or if you don't really like your husband that much. Other suites have just one king size bed if you still think he's quite nice.



I could happily live in the bathroom! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!

The dining at the Venetian properties was varied and really good. My favorites were the Canyon Ranch Spa grill for some super healthy organic fare (in Vegas?), and then the pan asian fine dining at Woo. The evening spent at Woo was spectacular on every level. The menu was just completely beyond fab, the wine list was lovely and our waiter Jeffrey was exactly what you want in a waiter. Friendly, helpful, knowledgable and witty, and there when you wanted or needed him.

The jewel in the crown for me was the shopping. Whether you want to just window shop, or if you're there for the real thing, the Venetian shopping experience is in my mind unparalleled in Vegas. A steady stream of designer stores with the bonus of having both Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin stores under the same roof. I died!!!
And when I was done dying I accidentally got connected to the Jimmy Choo sale.

Even though I had the consolation prize of a beautiful new pair of Choos to take home with me, I was so sad to leave the Venetian. I cant wait to go back, but am taking solace in the new yellow slingbacks....

Oh Manzy!

After I went to last year's Prelude to the Dream, I really got into dirt track racing. Who saw that coming? - not me!!! I had never enjoyed dirty, dusty, loud racetracks before (well, truth be told, I'd never even considered going to one before...), but here was this fun new thing to go and do.

In Phoenix we had a fantastic dirt track called Manzanita Speedway. It had been around since the early 1900's, and since the 1950's had been used for dirt track car races.
It was one of those great old venues with big old wooden stands to sit in, all ambience and atmosphere and tradition. It was the perfect place to take my 8 year old every weekend. Inexpensive, loud, boy fun. It seemed that every weekend the same cast of characters would be there. We'd sit in approximately the same seats near turn four every time, and got to know all the other families, who would sit in their same seats too.

All the little boys would tear down and watch from the wall, hooting and hollering and waving their checkered flags at the cars. We had no clue who the drivers were, so would just randomly pick cars to cheer for while they were running hot laps. That in itself would be hysterically funny. Typically everyone is cheering on the hot favorite or the family member, but we always wound up with the cars that only had 3 other fans (or none at all), and we'd support them with all the crazy enthusiasm that everyone else used.
My car frequently got lapped by all the others, and would limp back to the pit wounded, but I would still be cheering him on valiantly!



a little fence jumping...





a Cruz pedregon t-shirt, a light saber, and the late mods - what else could a boy want?

Manzy was one of those places where you just throw on a baseball cap and your jeans - totally low key. The kids would have hotdogs and cokes, and to a foreigner (me!) it just seemed to be a really fantastic slice of americana, and absolutely the stuff that memories are made of.

And then, out of nowhere, they up and sold it. Just like that. We were devastated!
All the fun ended on Easter Sunday, with our two favorites, late models and sprint cars.

Every weekend we still miss Manzy. I haven't found another cool place to watch the dirt cars run out here.

So if you ever get the opportunity to go to a dirt track, jump all over it. You'll meet the nicest people, have no end of fun, and create some really great memories along the way :)

The Robert Redford factor...

When I was an impressionable young teen my mother (who is about the most gorgeous, glamorous creature you ever did see) always told me to make sure I had my lips and mascara on and my hair looking good before I walked out the door, because you never know when you're going to run into Robert Redford.




Now, not only did I not have much interest in Redford, but living in a small city in New Zealand, the likelihood of bumping into him on the way to the store was somewhat remote. However, she had never steered me wrong, and in the divine world of fabulous, she had it going on. Actually I blame her for this obsession I have with skin care and make up....




Anyway, the pattern was set, and I always made sure I was putting my best foot forward everywhere I went. Just in case, you know?
(She also told me to always have clean underwear on in case I had to be taken away in an ambulance, so I'm placing my lingerie obsession squarely on her shoulders too).

So last night we went to Chase Field to a Diamondbacks game. (I love going to see any live sporting event) and, of course, I had my lips on, and my hair pulled back into a fab pony. It was the Robert Redford factor, still in place all these years later.
And wouldn't you know it I looked up and there I was in all my glory way up there on the Jumbo-tron.
Now as far as I know, I didn't know a soul in that 22 000 strong crowd, so it didn't matter in the least, and even if I knew them all it still wouldn't matter, but my first thought was "thank God I just put more lipgloss on..."

And as for Redford? Mothers are more prescient than we give them credit for. Shortly after moving to Hollywood a publicist we knew gave amazing opening night tickets to my friend Mia (fabulous casting director who you'll be meeting soon) and me to see Glenn Close playing Norma Desmond in the stage production of Sunset Boulevard. The show was to die for!
Five minutes before showtime who should walk in and sit directly infront of us? None other than Robert Redford himself!



A little side note here - he had the most amazing thick head of hair, and as soon as the lights went down, without thinking, Mia and I both leaned forward and smelled it...