PURPLE BLAB

The spring runway – and even many fall runways – were stalked by glamazons sporting a fresh-faced, natural, no-makeup-makeup look. Have you noticed? So we put Ashley, one of our multi-tasking mavens, to the test and create the look herself.

Meet Ash:

She is an all-natural kind of girl to begin with (not to mention the most amazing singer ever – full on jazz vocals a la Norah Jones).

Armed with Silk Sheets luxe foundation infused with silk, Luxury Squared under-eye concealer and highlighter, collagen-packed Cheek Implants in Backstage Pass (ripe, delicious peach with golden undertones), Lashionista Modelista and Huge Lips Skinny Hips in Worship Kate, she turned herself into an exact replica of what Stella McCartney’s models looked like on the catwalk. (Love Stella, BTW.)

You know we have a new liquid liner/mascara duo called Lashionista Modelista. Both are full of growth-enhancing peptides and conditioner. And the shade After Dark has diamond dust in the liner (Modelista). You know I love a good diamond (I’m an Aries, after all).

We were insired by Bridget Bardot and did some playing on Friday to create the ultimate smokey eye look.

While After Dark is more black than bling, I wanted to bring out the sparkle of the diamonds and create a steel gray look worthy of Studio 54. Halston, not required.

Here’s the step by step:

My last post, I talked about how some of the negative remarks – not even on the products, but about me as a person – were hurtful and upsetting. I received so many beautiful comments that I am so thankful for – all full of support and appreciation.

And I have now fully, 1000000% let it all go.

No need to have that bring me down.

When I created Purple Lab, my first thought was all about women, to build a brand that could be aspirational and inspirational, to have fun, to laugh, to offer something with serious ingredients and a nice side of cheekiness, and most importantly, to empower.

The best thing about partnering with HSN – I’m living my dream.

The down side - other people have something to say about it and not always so nice.

I don’t think every product is for every person. And I don’t expect the entire planet to live and die for Purple Lab, though I do wish they would! But I never quite expected to see some of the comments that have been popping up on forums and on my AOL blog, Beauty Blab.

One person said I looked like a short, fat Farrah Fawcett in my jumpsuit.

Not a moment of rest since HSN went down. We’re in the midst of planning the next group of shows for the April, for which I’ll be bringing contest winner Jessica Harlow with me! (I’m meeting her this week  – so excited!)

Plus, the manic manufacturing phase for Pearlesque Show has begun. Below, a comp of the design for the componentry.

Sharon and I are furiosly planning PR and marketing – desk sides with the major magazines, adding content to the site, starting to shoot how-to videos, and a special initiative for Pearlesque Show’s launch (cannot give deets yet – but it will be fierce).

You don’t understand. I NEVER stay up late. I don’t go out. I don’t drink. I don’t do coffee. I like to be in bed NO later than 11p.m. When I heard I’d have a 2a.m. slot on HSN, I immediately panicked. How would I make it?

Lots of sugar-free Red Bull (I know it’s poison, but I had no choice). Lots!

First of all, for the slot, I got decked in purple Proenza Schouler sequins and skinny Current/Elliot jeans. Six inch heels go without saying. Hair, kind of Farrah’d out for the night.

I know I’ve been MIA but between speed dating and our HSN launch, I’ve done nothing but eat, sleep, and breathe Purple Lab. Luckily, I love my job. It has been exciting to watch Karen and Todd grow the business. What an honor to be a part of it! (Next stop: real office!)

Anyway, here’s what I was doing while Karen was in Florida for HSN. For those of you who attended the Purple Lab HSN launch party at Meet in NYC last Thursday, whether in person or on Skype or Twitter, you know it was a blast.

Friday noon was an amazing show. I felt like I was getting my groove except for the ear piece (my Jack Bower), which was bothering me so much that the inside of my ear canal started to swell. Luckily, the adrenalin rush of being on air is nature’s natural healer. 

I donned a green Lanvin party dress with a big bow at the bum along with purple patent leather six-inch heels.

How I love Alber!

Some fun insider intel.

See the products on stands in front of me? As we move from product to product, while the camera is focusing on the models, someone rushes in and switches them out.

Thought I’d give you a quick sneak peak at the “warehouse,” which is a fancy way of saying where we are storing Purple Lab remnants. As we gear up for the HSN launch, the office apartment is overflowing with all things purple.

This is a view of the living room from the bedroom, where thare are typically many, many boxes (a.k.a. Sharon’s storage area) filled with lab samples, componentry we’re considering, tissue paper, letterhead, and currently, left over signage from the speed dating event.

You know that going on HSN was the ultimate goal from Day 1. It was why we went broke, why we took every risk, why we tuned out the naysayers, and why we keep on keepin’ on. (To get an alert when Purple Lab debuts, click here!)

I recently came back from a global marketing meeting in Tampa and performed presented to about 75 people. No pressure! Though I can’t lie – I do love talking about Purple Lab because it’s like a new mom talking about the bebe. I’m in love. Beyond words. And every product is my dream, something I would throw away whatever I’m already using for (I’m picky and I use some good stuff!).