HSN on the brain!
January 4, 10
I know I was going to write about R&D and the process of doing five – I repeat: FIVE – products at once. But before I do, I need to vent.
I have not been able to sleep. Not a wink. Tossing and turning with racing thoughts over the stress – still! – of what to wear for HSN’s debut! I have been thinking and rethinking what I’ll wear (I first blogged about my panic a little while ago) and wondering… do I need five outfits, one per show? I think I do.
And shouldn’t this be one of them?
Covet this Stella number!
A. Todd thinks I already have this outfit. This is something he says whenever I point out what I like. I tend to go for the exact same kind of look all the time – slightly billowy sleeves, a lot of fabric, etc. So when I mention that I covet something that’s in a magazine, he says “you own that already.” In this case, I don’t own this – or anything like it. I think he just said so to get me off of my “I need something new” moment. He is clearly on crack! That will never happen!
B. Todd doesn’t believe that I need five diffent looks.
He says the same people don’t always watch each show. But different hours of the day call for a different dress. Don’t you concur? Besides, I don’t see what the big deal is with adding more to our debt (I’m kidding… sort of).
This Balenciaga dress, at 6k, would leave a permanent mark in our nonexistent bank account but a girl can dream, can’t she?
My fave! So urban warrior.
A sneaky friend suggested I can buy, wear, return.
A) Too creepy
B) You should only do that with fine jewelry (relax – it’s a joke)
C) She sells fake designer bags. Enough said
I have been standing inside of my closet, as if something bright and new would just appear before me, until all hours of the night. I cannot imagine going on air wearing black or neutrals. Purple Lab calls for a color that pops.
The brand and products are fun, glam, powerful – the ensemb needs to convey the same. Not that black can’t offer that vibe. It’s just not the best for TV.
Why is it that 90% of my things are black? Why have I never realized that before now?
This is my ultimate look – not just for HSN but for life. And of course, it’s black and white. I think it could work for TV – just punch it up with a cheerful and whimsical necklace.
From Celine's new collection which I would die to live in!
My other obsession is this camel dress with leather sleeves, another Celine wonder. As sophisticated, timeless and perfect as it is, it just won’t bust through the television screen, will it? Camel, though beautiful, may seem drab on the telly.
Even if it did work wonders on air, I don’t quite have the 3k for it. Why do I torture myself?
No words!
I crawled through every major sale site (hautelook, ideeli, gilt, outnet, etc.) and Style.com for painstaking hours in search of desired threads. The only things that excite me are either black or kind of, possibly, dare I say - unrelatable.
I do not gest - I would SO wear this hat! Thank you Givenchy!
Loving this Roland Mouret, BTW. But something tells me no one else would!
Is this O.T.T. (over the top)?
Earth to Karen! Earth to Karen!
Will someone PLEASE come over and help me? I’m so good when it comes to what everyone else should wear but cannot handle it for myself! I need to start taking pics and asking for advice.
Oh, and this weekend, I’m heading to Tampa to film a promo for HSN, which is ridiculously exciting. But one more time, NOTHING TO WEAR!
Perhaps an old purple bat wing flowy Zac Posen top with dark-dark jeans and oversized hoop earrings? I could do that. It’s in my closet. It’s just not the same as wearing something new. Am I wrong, girls?
Like… can’t I just have this? Granted, it’s not in stores yet. But still.
Stella! Stella! Stella!
You’ll probably see me in the aforementioned purple top. So you know.
Mwah!
Karen
Purple Lab Creatrix
P.S. If you see me wearing one of these looks below, you know that I relegted myself to pan handling with a sign that says “Will work for fashion.”
Proenza, please!
Pink is the word - Love you Isabel Marant!
Tags: Beauty, HSN, Makeup, Purple Lab
January 5th, 2010 at 2:27 am
Mix old and new – that purple batwing top – BRILLIANT. You are Purple Lab after all. As for the buy & return, won’t some boutiques let you pull/borrow a couple pieces and you document everything here on your site? Sorry – flipped into recovering publicist mode.
However, to Todd – you DO need 5 different outfits. Colin Cowie never wears the same outfit twice during his show days. Same with some of the FN hosts that host product lines on there.
Good luck Karen – if you need me to put you in touch with someone that has appeared on HSN, let me know – the email is here
January 5th, 2010 at 3:52 am
I agree. Mix the old with the new! Definately the purple top for one outfit and maybe if you do black and white add a colorful scarf or belt or necklace to brighten it up. Accessorizing can be your best friend. All though, I’m not to great at it…I’m sure you’d do great! Good luck!
January 5th, 2010 at 6:13 am
thanks! i will be, very likely, mixing old and old! but in april, when i’m back, i hope to be in all brand spakin’ new!!!! maybe i can sneak a new dress for feb. we’ll see! you’ll have the tune in! mwah!
January 5th, 2010 at 6:16 am
p.s. don’t worry – i thought of the “borrowed glamour” approach. i am going to talk to some designers. can’t do it with a store b/c you can’t give the store credit on air. but i’m with you, sista. i’m plotting!
January 5th, 2010 at 6:23 am
Thanks, Michelle. I will do my best. Time to shop from my own closet… Will have to bring in reiforcements to help me merchandise it! Plz tune in! Mwah!
January 7th, 2010 at 3:26 am
I have a desire to start my own ethnic cosmetic line and I am looking for a mentor and direction
January 7th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Asking for me to? I’d be honored. You can contact me through the site and I’ll get back to you from my personal email. Totally flattered! But this is only if you’re asking me to!
Mwah!
Karen
January 9th, 2010 at 2:44 am
Karen,
You def. need 5 seperate outfits. Start with something purple on the first show…love all the above outfits, BTW! I appeared on HSN before (with hostess Callie Northagen) in Fuschia/purple and it showed up really nicely. She was in bright yellow that day. Make sure the purple is bright and not heathered or muted. Bright colors show up very well on their sets. They will also coach you on what colors to wear, if they haven’t already. BTW, Thanks for running the model search contest and asking women of all sizes and ethnicities to enter. It’s wonderful! Good luck on your HSN debut! No need to be nervous. You’ll do great! I’ll be watching!
January 9th, 2010 at 3:55 am
Hey Karen,
I love your fashion conundrum! Too much “fashionista pressure”…muddies the waters ya know! – makes it hard to choose. I agree that you need (DESERVE) five seperate outfits without question!
Reality check: I’m not too wild about the outfits you showcased in this blog however…and I say this with *love, but I think they are too dramatic and would take away from your beautiful resonance and energy…a distraction to YOUR viewers. Let your true beautiful self shine through. Find outfits that complement as opposed to compete! Often times “less is more” – as my lovely jewish fanshionista grama used to tell me, “Put all your accessories on and then take one off!” Guess what her favorite color was? Uh huh…Purple!!
…And for goodness sake, try everything on!!! LOL Bring accessories and shoes with you so you can get the complete “put together look”
Guessing you really don’t need advice from a 45 year old nurse/mother of 6…LOL But hey, you did ask!!! (wink, wink)
So—Good luck and enjoy the shopping odyssey with you BFF’s
Isn’t it all part of the dream?
Peace, love and fashion xoxoxo
Contestant #99!!!!
January 11th, 2010 at 12:21 am
too much fashionista pressure keeps one up at night! AND man, it’s exhausting! glad you can relate! 911!
xxx
Mwah!
Karen
January 11th, 2010 at 12:23 am
P.S. I don’t care if you’re a 49 year-old nurse, I love the advice and please send me the link to your entry so I can share it through our fan page and Twitter!
Mwah!
Karen
January 11th, 2010 at 7:31 am
Hi Karen,
Loved your reply! Very honored if you would share my link on Purple Lab..I’ve been “jonesin” for some PURPLE LAB love to become more viral. As a nurse I laugh to myself whenever I state my desire to become “more viral!” Just goes to show how many different roles us “mavens” assume everyday!
Here is my entry link:
http://www.brickfish.com/Pages/PhotosAlbums/PhotoView.aspx?picid=1092757_34697625&pid=3401958&scid=510&
LOVE your moxie and chuzpah! Keep motivating “every woman” to find their beautiful self! You’re enthusiasm is boundless and empowering!
Peace, love and fashion,
Suzanne the nurse
January 11th, 2010 at 8:49 am
Your entry was shared, you sassy purple thing! Love the pic – so captures our spirit and your energy is delish!
MWAH!
Karen
January 11th, 2010 at 9:45 am
My purple lovin’ Grama is smiling down, so proud! XOXOXO… thanks for the positive energy and lovely compliments!
Peace, Love and Fashion
Suzanne the nurse
January 11th, 2010 at 9:51 am
now i wanna see a pic of your grams and i wish she could enter too! mwah!
January 12th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Hey again, Karen!
It’s very exciting to watch a new vendor premiere on HSN, especially one who has started their own biz from the ground up! As I said above, I’ll be watching on Feb. 18th but, now I’ve also notified all of my friends and family to watch, too, so they will be tuning in! Can’t wait to see your presentation. Would also love for my entry to become viral. Will you please post it? I really enjoyed the heck out of modeling on HSN once before and am hoping to become your new Purple Lab cohort/friend/on-air model/partner in crime!
-G.
http://www.brickfish.com/Pages/PhotosAlbums/PhotoView.aspx?picid=1074893_7322825&pid=3327952&scid=510&
January 13th, 2010 at 12:35 am
It would be an honor to show you a photo my Grama Evie…where do I send it? (SO EXCITING!!) She was an artist, art teacher and never failed to see the good in everything. AND boy could she cook! xoxoxo
Let me know!
Peace, Love and Fasion-
Suzanne the Nurse
January 13th, 2010 at 3:07 am
I love your grams! You can totally send the pic to the email on our site! Send!
Mwah!
Karen
January 25th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
A. Yes, of course you NEED 5 outfits! Would you wear the very same outfit to work 5 days in a row? The same outfit on 5 dates in a row? I think NOT!
B. Yes, Todd is on crack… I repeat: you NEED 5 outfits.
C. HSN is my “white noise.” When there’s nothing good on History Channels, or if any makeup is on HSN… I’m there.
D. Todd, you are wrong again. People do watch repeat presentations of products. Who is going to change the channel when the product is called “Huge Lips, Skinny Hips?” People on crack, that’s who.
F. When my daughter is the next Purple Lab STAR on HSN, she will be wearing 5 different outfits. Even if that means the same 5 Purple Lab t-shirts, she’ll at least have 5 different pairs of shoes. Yes, she may borrow my Chanels, Pradas and Manolos. Hell, I’ll buy her her own! Although, she’s partial to my “Lady Gaga” Chanel platforms. I had them first!
Go HALEY!
G. You will look beautiful. Think fun, energetic, spirited, courageous, confident and all WOMAN. Remember, you are the STAR, not the outfit.
Best of luck Karen, you will look beautiful. As a seasoned HSN shopper, I predict sell outs! Who wouldn’t want the perfect PINK gloss called ‘Kitty Pole Dancer?” I bet even Todd loves THAT!
Good luck and no matter what, we’ll be watching! I hope you have a LOT of product in stock. Have you noticed it’s already a customer pick?
Vote for HALEY!:
http://www.brickfish.com/Pages/PhotosAlbums/PhotoView.aspx?picid=1119175_31290023&pid=3522830&scid=510&
January 26th, 2010 at 2:56 am
Haley, taking your shoes – she clearly has good taste! You are so funny – and such a supportive mama! Thank you so much for your comment, your witty banter, and loving the name Kitty Poledancer! I haven’t noticed that it’s a customer pick already but honestly, you have to see the new products – they are out of control amazing. And I’m not just saying that because I am biased, which, of course, I am!
This contest is amazing but also the death of me – I can’t have everyone win and I don’t want to upset anyone at all. I’m kind of devastated to tell you the truth. And scared!!!!!
Mwah!
Karen
January 26th, 2010 at 5:15 am
I am always in the mood for new makeup. I don’t doubt everything is amazing. The first product I got from you was SWAC, and I wasn’t sure if I would like it but I knew I liked the cause. I lost such a great friend in 2007, she was 38. I already loved pink, but losing Ann gives me another reason to love wearing it and I know it makes her laugh.
I know she laughs at how excited I get about makeup too. I used to take her for makeovers when she was feeling cruddy. So, when SWAC was also GORGEOUS, the perfect nude, better than chapstick and I wore it to sleep in, I know that made Ann laugh too.
There are really a fun bunch of women in this contest and there can’t be a wrong choice. Of course, I am biased when it comes to Haley.
She does have GREAT taste… I raised her that way! She wore a Vera Wang LBD (with a looooow back) and those amazing Chanels to her homecoming. WOW. What a knockout. I make good babies, if I say so myself!
Whoever the winner is will be one lucky lady and we’ll be watching!
January 27th, 2010 at 5:39 am
I am so sorry to hear about your friend. It is such a shame, hearing about women who suffer, especially when they’re so young. The woman we named our product after lost her battle to the disease at 37 as well and left behind a precious daughter. It feels really good to do something like SWAC so I am thrilled that you appreciate it and support!
Haley is fab. I will be so full of guilt for not being able to have everyone win. HSN’s team and PL’s team will be going through the top 100 as of February 1 and I am kind of petrified! I don’t want to upset anyone and honestly, I get worried that they’ll be mad at us if they don’t win! So no matter what happens, I hope you’ll still play with us – and that I can eventually meet you and Haley at some point!
Big kiss to you and Haley!
Mwah!
K
January 28th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Thank you Karen. Losing Ann was so hard, I miss her. We met when we were 13, so we did a lot of growing up together and became women together. She left me a wonderful gift, an AMAZING woman named Carrie she met in treatment. Both had/have estrogen receptive breast cancer, and it’s a bully. Carrie is now over 2 years clear which honestly is a miracle. She is a stage IV survivor. I have a huge pink ribbon tattoo (with PURPLE shadowing) over my heart and left breast. It’s UV ink, so when you catch me in black light that tattoo is still a beacon of love and hope! One of the many losses for Ann was her left breast. So Ann is always with me.
The story about SWAC and Nancy… well, there almost aren’t words for things like that, are there? I am proud to wear “Nancy” and hope her daughter and my daughters will never know this disease anymore than they already do. Thank you again for not just slapping a pink ribbon on it, but creating a cosmetic that means something so much more.
Haley is named after my father’s mother (Haley is my maiden name). She died right before my oldest brother, her first grandchild, was born in 1966. Breast cancer. What she went through is unspeakable. She was such a gorgeous woman. I mean GORGEOUS. I have a picture of her at about age 19, Mary Pickford and Claudette Caulbert have nothing on her. She was breathtaking.
Yes, Haley is FAB! My 3 kiddos are the greatest gifts in my life. They have all made me a better person in their own ways. She is such a gentle soul. Scary smart, wickedly funny and yes, so beautiful to look at. I would sell my soul to have her porcelain skin! LOL
The contest is just so fun. Please don’t add guilt and anxiety to your beauty bag! You’re giving one lovely woman a chance to do something incredibly fun, but that doesn’t negate all the other entries! It takes guts to put your face out there and say “Pick me!” I can’t speak for the other women, but Haley and I sure won’t be mad. Just try and stop me from playing with makeup! We’ll be eagerly awaiting the big event! When will you be on HSN with the winner anyway?
Of course if the HSN folks pulled up MY order history, they’d insist on ME purely because I am a walking billbord for HSN jewlery . You are right, Haley and I SHOULD go to NYC! We can swing by your place, drop in on nOir and lunch with Carol Brodie… you’ll know it’s us because we’ll be the ones blinding you with gemstones. Carol Brodie has an amazing bracelet with huge pink Rose de France amethysts and I told her she might need to break the news to my hubby that I NEED that for my upcoming 40th birthday. Then I thought, who am I kidding? Since when do I ask permission for jewels? If Liz Taylor didn’t, why should I?
Have fun with it, lose that guilt and good luck to all the ladies!
SWAC!
Jen xoxo
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Do you know that Carol is a good friend of mine? I have known her for years! And year! And year! I can’t believe you’re only 40! I am around the corner from 38 and my ovaries are like… “Girl, when you gonna use me?”
Where are you based? If you’re in the NY area, come to the NYC shopping/screening soiree! I’ll be Skyping in from HSN!
And again, I am so sorry about your friend – you are such a good soul, the way you talk about her. I am touched. Truly. Mwah!
xxx
K
March 28th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Hello, how are you doing? I genuinely like your article ! I was wondering if you might help me (I am certain your other subscribers may also be interested). I want to get into creating a blog also and I currently have a blog with Word Press, but it is quite difficult for me to build and I would like to attempt to find several good training guides or courses (preferably free) that can assist me in making use of wordpress correctly. As a word press web master yourself, do you perhaps maybe know where i can learn online tutorials to be able to do this myself?? Thank you
March 31st, 2010 at 12:57 am
I am happy to help you but I am hardly a Wordpress guru at all. There is so much I don’t know and I literally just played with it and figured things out along the way. I am sure there are Wordpress tutorials online but I have no idea, as I just sort of picked up little things as I went along! I hope that helps!
November 29th, 2011 at 10:33 am
Let Me Watch This Name…
this is my 1st time i have a look at here. i uncovered so countless entertaining things in your blog, specifically its dialogue. from the tons of responses on your posts. thank you…