Image courtesy of http://www.glamcheck.com/

As the temperatures continue to drop, your skin will be under constant attack by the frigid winter air. Cold and dry winds can cause flakiness and irritation, and the up-keep becomes a bit more complicated. The winter has your skin confused, and yearning for moisture. It is important to maintain soft, moisturized skin so that makeup can still go on beautifully, and your complexion remains even and smooth.

The dry air might cause flakiness, so be sure to always exfoliate. Facial and body scrubs should be gentle on the skin, since it more vulnerable to irritation during the winter. Eye cream and moisturizer are the most important products in your beauty bag. Opt for thicker, richer creams that can take a pounding in the winter air. Make sure to have one with SPF for the daytime, and a rich creamy one for the night, to rejuvenate and rehydrate. Eye creams help de-puff and moisturize tired eyes, helping to fight wrinkles. Body creams should also be thick without causing any greasiness. Great moisturizers contain cocoa butter, shea butter, or avocado. For even more hydration, and the addition of a delicious scent, put a couple of drops of essential oil into your lotion, and it will give it that extra hydration boost.  You can also add oil to warm bath, leaving your skin incredibly soft when you get out.

Do not forget your precious lips. As with your skin, it is important to exfoliate, moisturize, and protect the lips from the sun. You can exfoliate by using a regular toothbrush, or you can invest in a lip scrub. Once your lips are freshly buffed, use a hydrating conditioner with SPF. Vaseline works great also.

Your foundation should also mimic the texture of your moisturizer. Look for winter formulas at your local department store that are full of antioxidants, and go on the skin with a smooth matte finish. Winter skin does not need to look shimmery and glowing, just clean and fresh. If you have oily or combination skin, the same oil-free products you look for in the summertime, should still be sought out come winter.

At home skin masks are extremely popular in the wintertime. Try some of these at-home formulas for various skin issues.

Rejuvenating Oatmeal Yogurt Face Mask:

•  1 tbsp oatmeal, finely ground
•  1 tbsp live, organic yogurt (skip the flavored stuff)
•  A few drops of honey

Combine all ingredients and  leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with arm water.

Moisturizing Body Scrub

• 3 tablespoons baby oil
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar

 Mix ingredients together and massage use all over the body. Rise off.

Oatmeal and Sea Salt Facial Scrub for Acne Prone Skin

•  1 yolk
•  2 tbsp. oatmel
•  1 tbsp sea salt
•  1 tsp. olive oil.

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Apply to acne prown areas of the face. After 3 minutes, rinse.

Valeria Likhova at home; Photo by Yevgeniya Yelkina

Lounging in her printed 70s caftan, adorned with gold costume jewelry (today it was her calling), and her  dancing shoes, Valeria Likhova sits on a supple leather couch, as she reminisces about her wonderfully vintage lifestyle, and multicultural upbringing.

She resides with the love of her life, Gerard Maione, co-founder of the fabulously popular NYC vintage store, What Goes Around Comes Around.

Every inch of the Tribeca apartment is visually stimulating, tingling each and every one of the senses. One cannot help but examine the luxurious art deco and Amsterdam school prints, heavy-duty woods, and soft, worn in leathers. A hodge-podge of Rock N’ Roll glamour; a luxurious, exaggerated lodge for gypsies. Paintings and photographs decorate the walls. A delicious world full of ghosts of the past; the very crème de la crème of generation upon generation of creativity.

Likhova and Maione's "camel toe" collection; Photo by Yevgeniya Yelkina

Ms. Likhova created The Passenger, a large-format pictorial newspaper, focused on emerging musical talent, and showcasing seriously spectacular 70s inspired fashion. The newspaper mostly features up-and-coming musicians, artists, and photographers.

Likhova with the first issue of The Passenger; Photo by Yevgeniya Yelkina

Likhova came to New York at a very young age from Moscow, Russia. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in advertising and marketing communications, she worked and studied in Paris and Berlin, eventually working for Italian Vogue as an assistant fashion editor, and also doing some styling on the side. Eager to disengage from the fashion “battlefield,” Likhova yearned for a project that was her own.

Thus, The Passenger was born.

Taking on the role of creative director and publisher of the newspaper, Likhova gives The Passenger a very authentic, 70s vibe. Emulating her and Maione’s collection of vintage paper Rolling Stone magazines, Likhova has stayed true to the authenticity of that same aesthetic.

Inspired by her boyfriend’s Rock N’ Roll style, Likhova really wanted The Passenger to exude the classic themes of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

“[Garard] has the most amazing style, and Rock N’ Roll personality that we both have, and I want to share that with other people,” Ms. Likhova said. “We are really inspired by late 60s, early 70s and you can see that through our environment, and you can see that through my work.”

The beauty of The Passenger lies in its timelessness. Anyone from a sophisticated Rock N’ Roller, to a rock star wannabee, and even a 75-year-old seeker of nostalgia, can lose his/herself in the whimsical pages of this visually stimulating newspaper.

Fashion also plays a huge role in Likhova’s lifestyle as well. Focusing more on vintage fashion and not so much on contemporary styles, she and Maione admire Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen; but the truly remarkable items in their closets come from the wonderful years of the past.

“Vintage is a really big presence in my life… it is nice to wear a garment that no body else has or that you have never seen before; it is a piece of history.”

Her favorite garments in the entire world? Caftans; which should be worn by men, women, and children alike.

Likhova’s motto when it comes to dressing? “What would Jimi Hendrix wear?”

She truly emphasizes the idea of taking on a lifestyle, one that has its roots from the past.

“You feel like you are wearing something that nobody else has. I can look at a photograph from a certain time period, and I can make that world come to life through vintage clothing, ” Likhova says, as she holds up a 1920s beaded dress.

It is a lifetime lifestyle in the making.

In describing her inspiration, Likhova explains that it is people, not so much the clothes that make her tick.

“People in fashion inspire me the most. There are imaginations out there, that your mind can not even come close to constructing together.”

Likhova enjoying her creation; Photo by Yevgeniya Yelkina

Likhova’s accomplishments in the publishing world are certainly ones for celebration. With her newspaper in full swing, Likhova looks forward to the future. She is currently working on a photography book that will showcase many collaborations with photographers that have made her visions come to life. She is also set on creating a brand focused around her newspaper, called The Passenger Collection, which will encapsulate a whole stew of things, such as shirts, sunglasses, shoes, bottle openers, and other travel accessories. She also hopes to set up individual Passenger shops that resemble train cars all over the world.

In five years, Likhova hopes to continue to expand her brand, traveling back and forth between New York and Los Angeles, whilst maintaining a mental tranquility.

“I would like to have my empire going strong, and be in a peaceful, happy place in the relationship that I’m in now.”

Keep an eye out for this it girl, as she continues to make a splash on to the fashion/music scene in the years to come.

The Passenger is available in select locations around New York City and Los Angeles.

For more information, visit: http://thepassengernewspaper.com/

For more information on Likhova’s upcoming projects, visit: http://valerialikhova.com/

Photo Credit: Julianne Thompson

 The atmosphere’s synergetic eager anticipation was enough to make everyone thrilled to be present at the show. The audience ranged from neon clad teenagers to middle aged DJ junkies donning mouse ears made out of glow sticks. Dubstep openers, Feed Me and Excision, fed the flame of excitement that the crowd already possessed. The light shows accompanied with looping background videos captured the essence of what it feels like to be present at a true dubstep or electronica DJ set. Beaming colorful splashes of light, heart thumping bass and the necessary spectator to DJ connection steered the show in the right direction before deadmau5 even made it on stage.

The lights blink off and immediately the audience screams and jumps as the Canadian producer and DJ enters the stage wearing his signature mouse head with glowing eyes. The set kicked off with “FML” and fuchsia laser lights. “Sometimes Things Get, Whatever” begins to play as layers of pulsating beats were mixed within the set. Just when I thought the crowd couldn’t get anymore crazed than it already was, deadmau5 kicked things up a notch with “Sofi Needs A Ladder.” SOFI (Some Other Female Interest) dressed in a sequined get-up struts onto the stage to partner with deadmau5 on one of the hottest tracks on his 4X4=12 album. SOFI remained on stage to perform another track from 4X4=12, “One Trick Pony”. Towards the end of the set, the background video showcased an electronic mouse playing in the circa 1985 Nintendo video game classic, Super Mario Brothers. The set ends with a backdrop of “Game Over” in illuminated block letters.

Overall, the show was intoxicating from both a visual and musical perspective. deadmau5 is the quintessence of what an authentic multi-talented DJ truly is.

Photo Credit: Julianne Thompson

New York City is the capital of the world. With its culturally rich historic background, and diverse residents, NYC will remain one fo the most coveted places to live in the world. But where does one start to even attempt at finding a home in this concrete jungle? There are so many factors to weigh out when deciding on that perfect NYC lifestyle everyone craves. Here. we bring you our list of neighborhoods in the city that we feel stand out among the rest.

Best for nightlife:

          1. Lower East Side

This pick may surprise a few. But think again, because the lower east side is not only packed with nightlife but its also safe and relatively inexpensive compared to that of its neighbors. There are definitely a few drawbacks though- think noise and dirtiness- but for those who like to live where they party this is definitely a good option.

Housing Cost: 2 bedroom, $1675

Safety:

         2. Tribeca

If your motto is “safety first” then this is the place for you. Unfortunately, in this city, safety usually comes with a price- and in this case it’s a big one. While this neighborhood is blessed with little crime, great schools and a vibrant community, living here is not cheap. However, while the price tag is high the payoff is higher.

Tribeca; photo by Jeff Chien-Hsing Liao; image courtesy of nymag.com

Best for Families:

       3. Park Slope

Over the last few years, Park Slope has become the latest neighborhood to undergo the gentrification process. While some have mocked Park Slope’s new up-and-coming hipster vibe, there is no doubt that this neighborhood now has plenty to offer. Park Slope has great schools, low crime, plenty of parks and is only about a half hour commute to the Upper West Side. For families looking for a safe community at a good price this is the place to look. But look fast, Park Slope is making a fast ascension out of the middle class budget.

2 Bedroom: $1700

3 Bedroom: $3300

† http://www.parkslopeapt.com

         4. Sunnyside

This is Queens treasure is perfect for commuting families on a tight budget. The subway to Midtown takes only about sixteen minutes and prices are usually pretty reasonable. Ultimately, what this community lacks in nightlife, shopping and restaurants it makes up for in accessibility, prices, safety and good schools.

         5. Morningside Heights

2 Bedroom: $3500

While it may be on the pricier side, this area has great restaurants and shopping, with occupancy of a younger crowd. Families can enjoy some peace and quiet, as the nightlife is not as prominent. It is easily accessible, which makes it a great location for traveling to and from other areas of the city.

Morningside Heights; Ari Mintz for The New York Times

        6. Williamsburg

2 Bedroom: $1699

3 Bedroom: $2299

† Craigslist listings

This multicultural area of Brooklyn has a large religious Jewish population, with a growing young and trendy scene. The area has become an influential hot-spot for indie rock, hipster culture, and has been the home for many local art enthusiasts. As rapid development in retail space continues to grow, there has been an influx in the population that currently resides in this area.

         7. Astoria

2 Bedroom: $2000

3 Bedroom: $2700

†http://apartments.oodle.com/astoria-ny/

This safe and quiet area of Queens has cheaper-priced living spaces. Located  on the northwestern corner of the borough, Astoria is within a quick and easy commuting route into Manhattan. The area is traditionally Greek, but residents from many ethnic backgrounds reside in this historic neighborhood.

Victorian houses in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. Image courtesy of Rebecca Lewinter

      8. Ditmas Park

2 bedroom: $1,575

http://www.trulia.com/for_rent/NY/Brooklyn,5102,Flatbush_-_Ditmas_Park/

Over the years, Ditmas Park has become a diverse neighborhood full of musicians, older folk, and young families. As the interest for Ditmas Park continues to grow, with New Yorkers wanting to leave the busy streets of Manhattan for a calmer, family-friendly setting, the Victorian flare of this neighborhood, along with its diverse groups of people, continues to win over new residents. More and more people are moving to the area in search of Victorian houses that give you bigger bang for your buck. The area is filled with hip restaurants, and night-time hotspots. It has the perfect balance of hip and cool, without being chaotic.

(1) My car is muerto, kaput, donzo and useless. Did I mention I live in THE suburbs? Yeah.
(2) My job might have assisted in my involuntary eating disorder.
(3) Editors don’t crave my words lately.
(4) My life might have assisted in an involuntary drinking problem. I’m just basing this off the frat house-esque fridge in my apartment that now consists of frozen veggies, leftover pizza, two bottles of wine and Johnny Walker Black Label. Bon appétit.
(5) See, there’s this guy and stuff. Oh, must I even touch on a subject of irrelevance? No.
(6) The failed attempts at steering into a fair life have all occurred within the past three months. Perhaps a personal misconception, but S.O.S.

(7) I am currently not benefiting spiritually or financially. I have neither the joy of doing what I love in a foreign language or the thrill of donning a new Birkin bag. I am long overdue.

(8) Being rationally cute while being irrationally bipolar makes life colorful. It’s hard to balance the two at times.
(9) The Devil loves to pick on people who have well-meaning goals, such as yours truly.
(10) I feel how Kelis felt that one time (see below).

Click here to view the embedded video.

Now that I have officially proven to myself that I clearly view the glass half empty, I am taking “such great heights” to prove that I still have somewhat of a drive and rad factor left in my 24.8 year old body. Granted, no one has died or been diagnosed with anything other than the multifaceted, acute and creative depression that Edgar Allen Poe possessed (see first column). Yet, I still feel exhausted and slightly defeated. I can always count on one infallible defect of mine to move me to accomplish the goals I set before myself: perfectionism. My potent pop of zeal to attain my goals in life tends to serve as the life boat to my sunken ship, the salt to my bland chili and the Spanx to my Hervé Léger dress. Although, I am bummed about the aforementioned battles, I know I will eventually win the war. As a matter of fact, now that I review the ten “blows” to my self-esteem, savings account and mental faculties, they all seem just pretty insignificant and a bit comical. In five years or even five hours, will any of this even matter? xo.

Image courtesy of http://sociallysuperlative.com/

For the third year in a row, Mayor Bloomberg, the CFDA, NYC & Company, and VOGUE bring you Fashion’s Night Out, an incredible after-hours shopping experience, where celebrities and designers mingle with shoppers at some of  the most anticipated events this year – and this Thursday in no exception!

See Marc Jacobs and Dakota Fanning promote the Oh, Lola fragrance in SoHo, or check out Nicola Formichetti’s Pop- Up shop on Walker street, and if you’re lucky, you might even see Lady Gaga perform.  Saks on 5^th will have a braiding bar with designer Rebecca Minkoff and blogger Leandra Medine. Macy’s in Herald Square with have personal appearances by Kelly Rowland, Jason Wu, Bobbi Brown, Anna Dello Russo, and Karoline Kurkova. Barneys New York will be donating 10% of its sales to the  National September 11 Memorial & Museum, helping mark the tenth anniversary of one of the nation’s most tragic events.

This year, the party is even bigger and better than before, especially when consumers all over the world can participate from their computers at home at select online retailers.

FNO was originally started in 2009 to regain consumer confidence and boost the economy during the heart of the recession. Three years later and FNO is one of the biggest anticipated dates in the fashion community, not just in New York City, but in over 100 cities nationwide.

Plan your evening wisely, because there will be plenty to see!

For a list of events and participating retailers, visit: http://fashionsnightout.com/

To Gary Jonas, Ditmas Park has that certain special neighborhood flair that is seldom found anywhere else. Jonas and his wife Allison McDowell own the prestigious Sycamore Bar + Flower Shop, as well as the neighborhood restaurant The Farm on Adderley. Both hot-spots are located on Cortelyou Road, the main strip in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn.

The Farm, which opened five years ago, resulted from the limited food options offered in Ditmas Park.

Customers enjoy a bite to eat in The Farms warm and inviting dining hall.

The name is a direct link from a saying Jonas’s family used in Cape Town, South Africa where he is from. Growing up on Adderley Street, the family would often joke it would acquire a farm on Adderley, if an unlikely outcome of a situation were to occur. Years later, you could say that this dream has come true.

“The Farm speaks to everyone,” said Jonas of the restaurant’s cuisine.

Portobello Sandwich $9

The always crowded hot-spot offers American-style food, made from fresh ingredients, as the menu changes several times a week.

Come and enjoy a neighborhood favorite: The Farm Burger ($13), served for both lunch and dinner.

Outside seating at The Farm.

The unique experience Sycamore offers, is unlike any other in this town. Who would have imagined one could get a beer/bouquet deal, all one in place? Named after the sycamore trees in the Ditmas Park neighborhood, the flower shop/bar, open for three years, came out of  McDowell’s interest in the bar scene. But the couple also wanted to do something new and exciting; something that was not offered anywhere else in New York City.

The quant, dimly lit bar is complimented by a beautiful array of freshly cut flowers at the front. Sycamore will provide you with a wedding bouquet, as you sit down for a nice drink. It is the perfect spot for an after-work drink, or a late night hang-out. During the day, customers can visit the garden and have a BBQ, and enjoy live shows and beer and whisky tastings at night.

Beautiful flower arrangements align Sycamore's windows.

Jonas believes Ditmas Park to be a diverse, up-and-coming gem.

“Everyone that comes [to the restaurant] we know,” he said. “It’s rare when you live in a city where you know your neighbors, and everyone knows you.”

At Sycamore, the crowd tends to consist of younger families, or people in their 20’s. The Farm has a nice range of folks; from 80-year-old couples, to younger families with children, and hipsters.

The bar at Sycamore offers domestic and international craft beers and American whiskeys, one of the largest collections in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

As the interest for Ditmas Park continues to grow, with New Yorkers wanting to leave the busy streets of Manhattan for a calmer, family-friendly setting, the Victaorian flare of this neightborhood, along with its diverse groups of people, continues to win over new residents .  For Jonas and McDowell, the neighborhood they have come to love, has provided them with the keys for success.

The Farm on Adderley

1108 Cortelyou Road, Ditmas Park, Brooklyn; (718) 287-3101.

http://thefarmonadderley.com/

Sycamore

1118 Cortelyou Road, Ditmas Park, Brooklyn; (347)-240-5850

http://sycamorebrooklyn.com/

Cortelyou Rd. is packed with cool eateries.

To Avi Shuker and Mimi Kitani, the neighborhood they have come to love, has provided them with wonderful opportunities to fulfill their American dreams. Coming over from the Holy city of Jerusalem seven years ago, the power couple resides in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, owning the famous traditional Israeli restaurant, Mimi’s Hummus, The Castello Plan, a wine bar offering over 100 wines from all over the world, and The Market, a gourmet grocery shop full of cheeses and decadent treats. All three of their businesses are located on Cortelyou Road, the main strip in the up-and-coming area of Brooklyn.

Mimi’s Hummas evolved out of Kitani’s desire to bring traditional and comfortable Israeli food to New York, which is not the stereotypical falafel and Shawarma. Neighborhood locals come to experience  homemade and authentic middle-eastern cuisine.

Beautiful mosaics decorate the restaurant.

The menu is jam-packed with various spices and decadent sauces.  Five types of hummus are offered ($8 – $9), exposing a greater variety of how this Israeli commodity is served. Other mouthwatering dishes include the brunch honey butter semolina Moroccan pancakes, served with fresh strawberries ($9), and the dinner Aioli Salmon; pan roasted salmon served with an herb potato salad, and lemon garlic aioli ($16).

The staff prepare for the afternoon rush.

What’s Kitani’s favorite dish?

“The souvlaki!”

Grilled lamb patties served with flat bread, yogurt tzatziki, and grilled vegetables ($15).

Avi’s pride and joy lies in his wine bar. Named after one of New York’s first maps, The Castello Plan is a cozy, dimly lit getaway, perfect for date nights after-hour hangouts. Shuker teamed up with partner Benjamin Heemskerk, to provide a selection of 110 different wines from over 14 countries, and delicious tapas, plated in a contemporary way.

A quirky bowl of corks upon entrance.

It is the perfect late night hot spot, known for its relaxed atmosphere, and delicious bar treats. Cuisine specialties include the Seared Diver Scallops, served with stewed mushrooms ($18), and It’s Rabbit Thyme; rabbit leg and thigh roasted with thyme and garlic, served with Yukon potatoes in a white wine, carrot and ginger bisque ($21).

Guests are offered seating inside the dining hall or on the side deck, while they enjoy their decadent selections, complimented by live music.

Various wine selections align the walls.

Places such as Mimi’s and The Castello Plan add charm and character to the developing neighborhood of Ditmas Park, full of Victorian houses, and a diverse mix of people.

Setting up for another lovely night at The Castello Plan; 1213 Cortelyou Rd

This is a neighborhood where Avi and Mimi not only live in, but also believe is slowly becoming quite prestigious.

“I believe in this area,” Shuker said. “I believe Cortelyou will keep changing; people are moving here. There is a movement and the movement is in motion.”

Over the years, Ditmas Park has become a diverse neighborhood full of musicians, older folk, and young families.

mimi’s hummus
1209 Cortelyou Road
Brooklyn, NY 11218-5403
+ 718 – 284-4444
http://www.mimishummus.com/

The Castello Plan
1213 Cortelyou Rd,
Brooklyn, NY 11218-5403
Telephone: + 718-856-8888
http://thecastelloplan.com/

True to those weather warnings, on Sunday, the clouds rolled in as the fans rolled up. The prognosis seemed gloomy. However, in the end, there was definitely a silver lining to the clouds.

While only about half of all the ticket holders actually showed up to the festival, it seemed as if the flood warnings managed to separate out the true fans from the rest of those who bought tickets. Even though Identity Fest was left with a half empty venue, it was filled solely with those die-hard electronic fans willing to brave the rain for the music.

And the music definitely made the rain (and possible contraction of pneumonia) worth it.

Starting at 2, music continuously played from the three stages set up in the PNC Banks Arts venue. Early in the day, Chuckie took the main stage. The house-master sampled everything from Nirvana to Adele and audience members responded with dancing and some Jersey-style first pumping. Datsik, LA Riot and DJ Shadow took over from there and followed through with equal success.

By the time the final acts, Steve Aoki and Kaskade, took their respective stages the rain had cleared and fans were ready to shed their rain jackets and dance. Kaskade spun from his tall tower on the main stage while Aoki bounced around and popped champagne from the Dim Mak stage. Both artists blessed their enduring crowds with fresh tracks and exciting performances. By the time the sets wrapped up, fans were dry, satisfied and exhausted.

Ultimately, the day could have easily been a wash out, but thanks to the devoted fans and the energetic artists, Holmdel’s Identity Fest was a thundering success.

Missed Identity Fest this past Sunday? Identity will be making stops at Camden this Friday and then Jones Beach on Sunday.

For tickets go to: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Identity-Festival-tickets/artist/159632

Photographed by Autumn Wilde and the looks; Modeled by Gwen and Donna Loos; Image courtesy of fashionista.com

After the success of its first collaboration in the spring, the fashion house Rodarte has teamed up with Opening Ceremony yet again, for its second collection for Fall 2011.  Kate and Laura Mulleavy were inspired by Scandinavia, with pieces ranging from Nordic themed prints, and tiered fabrics, to cable-knits and pinafore-inspired dresses. Patterned harem pants, and long haired winter coats, are all part of this whimsical collection. Opening Ceremony has done very successful collaborations with entities such as Chloe Sevigny and Pamela Love, and also sells popular brands such as Alexander Wang, Christopher Kane, and Jeremy Scott.

Photographed by Autumn Wilde and the looks; Modeled by Gwen and Donna Loos; Image courtesy of fashionista.com

Photographed by Autumn Wilde and the looks; Modeled by Gwen and Donna Loos; Image courtesy of fashionista.com

Shop pieces from the Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Spring 2011 collection here!