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My Best Beauty Picks

NYX Black Label Compact Powder, $25

Silky Powder with micro-titanium oxide provides a flawless finish. The formulation contains extracts of rosehip, green tea, camelia seed oil and SPF20. This powder is PERFECT!  I can’t believe I didn’t lock onto this line of cosmetics sooner. After putting on tinted moisturizer or foundation, I use my kabuki brush to lightly set the powder over my makeup. It’s so light. I put it to the test recently for a full day of being on TV. I barely needed to retouch during a long day of shooting six style segments in three locations.

NYXcosmetics.com

Makeup Forever Kabuki Brush, $39

This Kabuki brush is super soft to the touch and easily sets loose powder over tinted moisturizer or foundation. I bought this over a month ago and just started using it last week. I’m wondering, how I got along without it.

Sephora.com

Korres Zea Mays Powder Blush, $24

I love pink cheeks. I ran out of my favorite pink blush and unfortunately, the brand I had been using no longer makes the color. I spent about half an hour up and down the aisles of Sephora comparing the little crumbs of blush I had left to find this near perfect match from Korres.

Sephora.com

Arcona White Tea Purifying Cleanser, $42

This antioxidant facial cleanser has a permanent place in my shower. Cleans away the sweat and grime from a hike or dance class and removes all traces of makeup.

Arcona.com

St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub, $5.50

This gentle scrub with skin-soothing green tea keeps skin clear and works as a great exfoliant as well. It has become my husband’s favorite.

CVS.com

Bra Fit Issues

Question: I just watched you on ABC talking about getting a great fit with your bras. I am having a difficult time finding anyone to help me. I am an older woman..74 this coming September. My husband passed away 5 1/2 years ago in a few months after his passing I lost 100pounds. My problem is bras. I was fitted not too long ago and was told I am a 36 C or B. I have size 38 and they feel snug. I just purchased three Bali bras size 38 C  and they too feel snug around my body and the cups too large with some puckering. I am going to try a 40 B. Any help would be great?
Sincerely,
Donna

Alison: First off, each bra style can fit differently. Are you trying the same style or are you trying different bra styles? Here are some of my thoughts on styles: If you’re concerned about the shape of your breasts, you should definitely try a light foam cup. A compressed foam bra will not add any size but will give you a nice even, rounded shape.

Have a question for Alison? Email ali@alionthego.com

Sure you could assemble your own kit by hitting up the craft store and fabric shops, but for simple at home changes without the need of a bedazzler this is organized and cool. Need to do a quick hem? Done. Want to rough up your jeans? Done. Want to add a few studs, Miss Trendy? Then do it with this hip kit from www.bristols6.com for $30.

THE Dress, and yes I say that often

Tonnes dress in bright blue
DVF.com

A blue dress that looks pops on camera and is ideal for a party.

Shoe

Crocband Flat
Crocs.com

These look old school preppy when you slip them on. These are everyday, walk the dogs or head to pilates shoes. Everyone is always surprised when they find out they are cute Crocs.

Top

J. Crew’s Perfect Stripe Boat Neck Tee
TheFind.com

LOVE, love this tee! It seems to work perfectly with a patterned skirt, wide leg jeans or under a fitted jacket. I purchased a second one.

Body

Smoothing Body Refiner from Nude
NudeSkinCare.com

There’s no cure for cellulite, but this lotion helps with giving an appearance of smoothing the skin which in turn up the self confidence quotient.

Face

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
Sephora.com

This is my daily go to, must have product. The shades are spot on matches and offer the ideal faux glow of sun kissed skin while protecting you with an spf 20.

Face

Prevage Face Advanced Anti-Aging Serum
ElizabethArden.com

I’ve been hooked on the benefits of Idebenone since Prevage first was offered in my dermatologist’s office. I put in on at night before I add my night time moisturizer and in the morning after splashing my face with water, I look more refreshed.

I admit it, I routinely stand in front of my closets and claim I have nothing to wear. And yes, closet was meant to be plural. That’s why swap parties have always been fun. It’s a great chance to socialize with your gal pals and turn your barely worn, no longer loved items into another gals “new” wardrobe treasure.

After moving to LA, I was in search of a “greener” shopping experience. Consignment was lacking and thrift stores were disorganized.  There had to be a better way and then lo and behold this adorable gal, Dora Copperthite, came up with a truly innovative business plan.

She created Give + Take. It’s an alternative way to shop called a “swap boutique.” The system is basically a trade system. You bring in designer (or semi-designer) clothes, shoes, accessories you don’t want and trade for stuff other girls no longer want. It’s recycling on a simple and stylish, “I get it and don’t need to compost to make a difference level.” On other words you to get revamp your wardrobe as oft4en as you want.

If you bring in, say, a pair of $150 J Brand jeans, you get 150 points to spend on something else. Or, you can do a “one-for-one” swap (one H&M dress for one Forever 21 dress). Her boutique is organized by rooms; there’s the high end designers to contemporary, then the one-for-one room and then she’s even created the room of freebies—yes a rack of various pieces you can just take, no questions asked. There is a small catch, you pay a $25 monthly membership fee for unlimited swapping. If that doesn’t faze you, hell, drop off your entire wardrobe and exchange it for a whole new one. It’s worth it even if you just join for a few months.

Since being turned onto this boutique, I’ve handed over several bags of designer brands including Jill Sander, Marc Jacobs, Tori Burch, Tibi, Juicy Couture, Cole Haan, DVF, BCBG, Theory, … and in return I accumulated about 1,000 points to shop the racks of other swap items. So far I’ve added to my closet a dress from Foley & Corrina that I wore last weekend in Palm Springs that my husband still cannot believe that I got for free, totally hip navy pants from Peter Som, a fabulous black top from See by Chloe and a dress from Corey Lynn Calter. Can you tell I’m gushing? And I still have plenty of points. And Dora updates on Give + Take’s Facebook page so everyone can learn what’s new in the shop.

These are two of my recent swap finds.

It’s a chance to have your own revolving closet for a pittance of what you’d pay retail or even on sale just by recycling your pieces with other girls. And you’ll no longer be bored with your wardrobe or try to convince yourself that a certain top is cute when it’s just not cute on you. Or you could just do what I’ve done in the past and set up your own swap at home with your gal pals.

Check it out at: www.giveplustake.com

Also check out my contribution to,  www.mommygreenest.com

I’m a big fan of vintage shopping and antiquing and had been making plans to shop the famed Rose Bowl in Pasadena for months when lo and behold my hair stylist friend extraordinaire, Theodore Leaf  (www.theodoreleaf.com) and I learned that Eddie Ross (www.eddieross.com) was coming to town to lead a group through the masses of flea market finds.  We were both fans of Eddie’s work on Bravo’s Top Design and I’m always a fan of a preppy guy. So we signed up for the “walk along.”  There were about 15 of us and with coffee in hand and my tote bag empty and ready to fill with negotiated bargains we headed off into the rows of booths and tables filled with silverware, glassware, fabrics, knick-knacks and furniture.  Eddie would stop at a variety of outdoor booths and give the lo down on how to re-do furniture to update it, give advice on how to determine the worth of an object and what’s good stuff from the “trash.”  Let’s be honest it shouldn’t all be someone’s trash is another’s treasure, some of it is just junk.  Theodore, his boyfriend Matt and I had so much fun—how could we not?  A warm, sunny day, Eddie and his main man Jaithan to escort us through the finds of The Rose Bowl plus he gave us some nifty ideas on hostess gifts and table settings. It was a relaxed atmosphere and we met many other gals and guys to socialize with along the way.

Eddie suggested and Theodore literally translated into a hostess gift a small jar of olives with the antique fork and personalized ribbon for me the next time he came to dinner. I added my version of a spoon with a colorful ribbon and lavendar honey.

Anything can work just by taking antique silverware and pair with cheese, olives, jam, or chocolate sauce and tie with a ribbon and small note.

I took his suggestions and created my own small, but charming gifts for my next dinner outings at friends’ homes.

Besides, silverware and vintage cloth napkins I also bargained for this camel saddle (walked away only paying $25) that with new leather became a cool footrest in my living room.

Motivator, Exercise Guru Extraordinaire, Inspiration to countless men and women, gracious guy and a little bit wacky, Richard Simmons is a must meet in Los Angeles.

I took Richards class after a friend and her husband took it on a whim. We all know him from the countless times we’ve seen him on TV, his books, his DVDs, but what I hadn’t known was that he was merely 15 minutes from my doorstep. And once I saw the photos they took with him, I knew I had to meet the icon and see what all the sweat was about. He wears the dazzling tanks and striped shorts and arrives to a packed class full of men and women of all sizes.  And it appears there’s always visiting some Parisians. Richard is global.

After just a few classes, it’s easy to see why Richard draws such an adoring crowd.  He makes you laugh, he makes you sweat and then he makes you laugh some more. And while you shake your ass and kick your legs for the 500th time  while singing along to Michael Jackson or an old Broadway tune he motivates you to take better care of yourself.  So friends, if you haven’t visited his studio, Slimmons in Beverly Hills, it’s time to put pedal to the metal. Here’s a snippet of some private time I got with Richard.

What brought you to LA to start up the exercise craze?
I moved from New Orleans in the 70’s. I worked as a waiter at night and during the day I took lots of classes like Pilates, yoga, tap and jazz. I never saw fat people. I had originally lost my weight through dieting so this was new to me, but I felt something was missing. One day I passed this building, Wilson’s House of Suede and it was up for sale. I had $25,000 saved and decided to go for it. I put up flyers in the neighborhood and soon people were coming for classes. And 38 years later, it’s still going strong.

Did you ever think you’d reach icon status?
This is my job, my crusade. I look forward not left and right.  This is my fun and my hobby. Isn’t it great that I can combine my hobby and exercise?

You have such a strong following of all kinds of people—the rich dames of Beverly Hills, heavy and slender men and women, gay and straight, all kinds in such a welcoming environment. What keeps it going?
It’s friendly, good music and before you know it an hour has passed and you see yourself in the mirror and you look better.

Why records in class?
I’ve been collecting records for over 38 years. I started going to Tower Records and several other places and I’d sit on the floor of the studio and listen to them to find the right songs for class. A good mix.  I now have a huge record room. I do go to iTunes and MasterBeat as well. It’s about anything that will put a spell on people so they don’t think about their credit card bills or any worries. Old and new music that will give people energy and forget about the 500 leg lifts. You just come in here and let the disco ball spin and have fun.

What do you love about living in LA?
I live a pretty recluse life. I don’t go out much, but I do sneak out to farmer’s markets once in awhile. I have my own garden as well.  I do love movies and seeing them on a TV is not the same as the big screen so about four times a year I treat myself and go out to the movies.

I love, love dogs. I used to have eight Dalmations and now I’m down to one. My 14 yr old Dalmation, Hattie. Whenever I’m in town I take Hattie for a drive and let her put her face to the wind outside the window.

And I love to cook.

You’re deserted on an island, what five things could keep you satisfied?
1. My 14 yr old Dalmation, Hattie.

2. TV. I love my Nurse Jackie, Anderson Cooper and plenty more.

3. LA Times. I’ll live on the island, but I need my newspaper delivered everyday.

4. A garden I can tend to so I can eat healthy.

5. Harmonica—No, I’m kidding.   But I would need my pillows. I’ve had the same pillows for 62 years ever since my mother put them in my crib as a baby. I don’t know what’s in those pillows now, but I sleep on them every night and take them on my travels. They are flat, but this afro of mine has slept on them every night.

What are your favorite talk shows to appear on?
I love Ellen. I knew her when she was starting out. She and I are both from New Orleans; same with Hoda Kotb. I love Fox, CNN, Neil Cavuto all for different reasons. Recently my TV appearances have been about getting people to vote for their congressman and making people aware of the Fit Kids Bill.  It goes in front of the Senate for a vote soon.  I want exercise back in school.

I love to go on shows particularly when they let me get the audience involved in exercising and dancing.  I love Letterman’s humor, he and I have had a love/hate relationship for the last 20 years.

After a sweaty hour with Richard!

Itching, aching for a little vay-k as in I need a vacation, get me out of here and make sure a margarita is included? Well, call up your man or nudge him and remove the remote if he’s right next to you. And if he’s not budging, then call your girlfriends a la Thelma and Louise style. It’s time to pack a bag, toss it in the trunk and head out on the highway. Whether it’s the heat of Palm Springs or a jam-packed weekend in Montauk these are the stylish essentials that work on either coast or in between with your friends at the family lake house.

These are my faves for a fun filled weekend in outfits that are hassle free and eye catching. Are you ready to go?

A sexy and yet relaxed looking tank that will go with pants, skirts and shorts. When you want to dress it up later, tuck it into a pencil skirt, add a wide belt at your waist and heels.

Saks.com, $83

Shorts, you can roll up and cuffed or wear long. I prefer a slightly longer inseam, especially when sitting at a restaurant so the chair doesn’t leave any funky marks on my legs.

Shopbop.com, $88

Skip the ordinary white tee and choose one with details like stripes or ruffles. I got this in the mail and immediately paired it with cuffed chambray pants and wedge sandals for movie date night with my hubby.

J. Crew, $39.50

Relaxed fit linen pants for lounging. These can work with wedges and a cute tee for going to the movies or be those comfy pants for the car ride to Palm Springs.

Shopbop.com, $155

I found this swimsuit while shopping on TheFind.com; it was offered at several online retailers and boutiques and lucky me it was on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue. So easy to scope out an item on sale on the site. I haven’t worn a one piece in years, but this is both sexy and flirty so it’s mine. And I like that if the sun breaks through my 70 SPF barrier I won’t have strap lines.

Saks.com, $164, now on sale for 114.80

I like a cover up that works triple duty. It’s a dress the first night, it’s a long skirt paired with a tank for lunch and it’s a cover up when I’m pool or beach bound.

Bloomies.com, $68

A wedge with height and a neutral color so it will go with everything.

Piperlime.com, $134.50

Shooting “How Do I Look” with Jeannie Mai, our makeover participant and her friends.

Daysun Perkins, handsome husband extraordinaire, Jesse Brune, friend and true star of “Private Chefs of Beverly Hills,” and Me