Top 10 Things I Learned at Fashion Week, Part 3

5.) EVERYONE LOOKS FAB WITH A SLEEK, SCRAPED-BACK PONY: At Badgley Mischka (above), Erin Fetherston, J Mendel, Michael Kors, and Marc by Marc Jacobs, models rocked sleeker-than-sleek ponytails with a deep side part. Sounds like a no-brainer, but I rarely see women rocking the style (most of us are from the if-the-blowout-still-looks-good-wear-it-down school of thought, like moi). I was so struck by how pulled-together--how CAROLYN BESSETTE, God bless her--the style looked! And I get why so many designers demanded the sleek pony. It managed to look wildly flattering on every single model, no matter her face shape, hair type, or hair length. Equal opportunity chic! To pull it off, create a deep side part with a fine-tooth comb, smooth a dime-sized amount of a moisturizing shine oil like L'Oreal Professional Textureline Hair Mix Sublime Shine ($13.99) over hair, and scrape back into a pony. I tend to think the lower the better, but a top-of-the-crown pony is always fetching, too.


6.) NOBODY USES LIQUID FACE CLEANSERS ANYMORE: Backstage at the shows, the cleanser of choice wasn't a cleanser at all...it was an obscure pack of British cleansing sheets called Simple Oil-Balancing Cleansing Wipes ($10). I mean, I saw this unassuming-looking wipes so often, I finally had to corner a junior stylist at Cynthia Steffe to find out the deal. Seems that, since models have to remove their makeup, like, twenty times a day during Fashion Week, they need something that gets their skin squeaky-clean in seconds, sans stripping and irritation...and Simple Wipes are THE secret weapon. Not only do they remove all of your makeup--even waterproof mascara--in one swipe, the super-soft sheets contain zinc, witch hazel, and natural antibacterials that tighten pores and prevent breakouts. Totally gentle, totally fragrance-free, and totally dependable. Bummed that they're only sold in the UK, I did some research and found a site that carries them...www.shoplondons.com. Happy cleansing!!