Tibi's presentation during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February 2009.

Visit Rowenta’s website for your chance to win Rowenta’s Exclusive Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sweepstakes.

Here’s what you’ll win:

• Entrance to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York and tickets to select shows in February 2010.
• Roundtrip coach airfare for two (continental U.S. only).
• Airport transfers.
• 3 nights hotel accommodations (double occupancy) in Manhattan and select meals between February 12 and February 19, 2010.
• Shopping spree and makeover package worth $1000.

Don’t delay, enter the sweepstakes today!  It will be exciting if a Hot Mama Daily reader wins!

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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Koko Haze Natural Deoderette

As a beauty and style blogger, I’m sent a lot of freebies (it seems that may change soon) and I eventually get around to sampling most of the products I receive. And it’s a good thing I had the Koko Haze Natural Deodorette (0.30 oz; $10) by Mbeze sample I picked up during Fashion Week in my purse.

The compact deodorant made with all natural and organic ingredients has the tropical scent of coconut and toasted hazelnut, and is sweetened with a touch of mango tea and orange.  

While the verdict is still out on whether Koko Haze could replace my every day deodorant, it’s certainly a handy, easy-to-pack backup.

Image credit: Mbeze.com

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Ottavia et Emma black dress

Notably at the Ottavia et Emma party at the Bryant Park Hotel’s Cellar Bar, where the canvas swag bag was stocked with the following fashionista finds:

OKA b. "Lucy" flip-flop

OKA b.’s catch phrase is “Shoes That You Love,” and I do love these girly and sturdy “Lucy” flip-flop sandals ($40).  I can’t wait to wear them on my next vacation, which I could really use right about now.

BOBO Zebra wrapping scarf

Want  a fashionable and recyclable way to wrap a gift?  BOBO’s Zebra Wrapping scarf ($28) is the answer.  Use it to wrap a gift or wear it as a scarf.

Elizabeth Grant Advanced Cellular Radiance cream

Elizabeth Grant Advanced Cellular Radiance ($125) promises to make your skin feel radiant and look younger.  It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Attention Hot Mamas! One of you will win a container of Elizabeth Grant’s miracle Cellular Radiance cream.  Just be the first to respond to this post with your email address and tell me why you love swag?

(Image credit: InterCity Global, OKA b., BOBO, Elizabeth Grant)

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I met the young and might I add pretty darn cute designer (see the awkward photo to the left; Why do I look like a school girl with a crush on her hot teacher?) at the eBay Suite at the Royalton hotel during Fashion Week.

Last year, I had the pleasure of attending Azrouel’s Fall 2008 show in a Chelsea loft and that was my introduction to his hip and extremely wearable designs.

The charity sale will launch June 4 and all pieces will be offered at fixed, below retail prices in order to make the designer fashion affordable for thrifty fashionistas like us.

Photo credit: Tracy E. Hopkins

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The Academy Awards are on tonight and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Hollywood starlet wearing one of the gorgeous gowns I saw during Fashion Week at Joanna Mastroianni’s showroom presentation.

Like several of her peers, the New York designer opted not to show in the Tents and the intimate showing gave the press a chance to get up close and personal with her Oscar-worthy Fall 2009 collection highlighted by cocktail dresses, gowns, and separates made with silk, embroidery, cashmere, fur, metallic fabric, organza, and patent leather.

Image credit: Tracy E. Hopkins

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Yet, the runway shows themselves are still like mini theatrical productions with blaring rock and hip-hop soundtracks starring sullen models, and are worthy to be praised.  This was my third trip to the Tents at Bryant Park, and each season at least one presentation gives me chills.  This time it was Tibi’s Fall 2009 Collection.  Whereas other designers relied on dark, moody colors like gun metal, gray, and black, Tibi wasn’t afraid to dip into her Crayola box.

The Anastasia Beaded Dress

Firebird Print Jumpsuit

Firebird Print Beaded Gown

Image Credit: Tibi

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Based on the shows she’d seen so far, here’s the Fall trend forecast from Jamie Thomas, Women’s Editor for StyleSight.com:

1. The Urban Warrior trend:  The Ohne Titel show featured clothing accented with chain mail and breast plates, and knits with crystals sewn on the front. Over the knee, lace-up boots in black and chocolate and booties with chains will also be hot for Fall. 
2. The Layered Look: Max Azria’s show featured velvet leggings, oversized, draped fabrics and shoulder-length leather gloves.   Diane Von Furstenberg’s collection featured the must have accessory for Fall, a knit pom-pom hat.  And Temperley featured a “cocooning” jacket and oversized layered look.
3. Color Trends: Mineral colors like gun metal, steel, and copper.  
4. Less is More:  Donna Karan and Rag & Bone’s collections included interchangeable pieces that you can rotate in your wardrobe.  
5. Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Marc Jacobs’ collection was “all about the bright and vibrant.”  It’s about being rebellious and happy in spite of hard times.

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I’m not exactly sure why this young lady is “famous.”  Hailed as a the hip-hop protegee of uber-producer Pharrell Williams a couple years ago, Teyana Taylor has yet to release an album.  That doesn’t stop the outspoken fashion risk-taker from popping up on MTV every chance she gets (she had her own “My Super Sweet 16” episode and was on a recent edition of “Made“).  

So I’m not surprised to see Teyana was at Fashion Week (at the coveted Barbie show from the look of the bowed box in her hand).  But do you like what she was wearing?  The hair is big…maybe too big.  The gray jeans are too tight for my taste.  The pattern on the jeans is making me dizzy.  And the cropped red admiral jacket reminds me of Michael Jackson.  

On a positive note, the overall look is young and eye catching, and I can see she’s making a transition from a tomboy and trying to be more feminine.  

But is Teyana’s look Hot or Not?  You tell me.

Photo credit: Bauer Griffin

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Even though I can’t wear heels — chunky, stiletto or otherwise — I’ve admired designer Laura Poretzky’s clever and affordable Abaete shoe line for Payless ShoeSource from a far.  After attending this afternoon’s Abaete Fall 2009 Collection Show, I’m also a fan of her clean, well-constructed clothing.

Although I’m eager to cast off my winter coat and boots and splash on colorful spring fashion, Abaete’s collection — inspired by extravagantly dressed, French Revolution dandies — has me looking forward to fall. Transforming fashion popularized by avant garde men into wearable women’s garments shows the designer’s creativity and flair.  

The highlights: high-waisted skirts, one-shouldered dresses, and tailored jackets in gunmetal, dove grey, dusty rose, and sterling blue and silver.  And of course, the shoes…stacked heel booties adorned with chains.

Photo credits: Tracy E. Hopkins

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I’ve recently become a perfume-nista and the luxury brand Bond No. 9 is my favorite. I first discovered Bond’s “Bryant Park” ($45 – $198) fragrance during New York Fashion Week several seasons ago, and I’ve been jonesing for the subtle floral scent ever since.

The best way to find the Bond fragrance that’s right for you is to order a few colorfully-wrapped samples (six samples for $15 including shipping and handling at www.bondno9.com).  Since discovering “Bryant Park,” I’ve also become fond of the “Andy Warhol Lexington Avenue” ($135- $195) scent with hints of fennel, toasted almonds, sandalwood and pink peony, and the grapefruit-infused “Scent of Peace” ($45- $198).  

I love that Bond No. 9 fragrances are named after New York City icons, landmarks, and neighborhoods and several of the brand’s most popular scents are available in the new, nostalgic solid perfume “token.”  The refillable compact comes in a little white zipper case, and sits atop my Christmas wish list. 

Photo credits: Bond No. 9

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