Woman We Love: Sue Devitt

We are pleased to feature Sue Devitt who is a top international makeup artist, with a long list of celebrity clientele. However, her attractiveness goes way beyond the superficial. Born surrounded by beauty in Australia, and throughout her travels Sue has been enlightened to the many troubles facing our world’s natural beauty as well. She quickly became famous for formulating her own line of products full of anti-aging nutrients and antioxidants found at SueDevittBeauty.com. Now she strives to keep the rest of the world beautiful as well through her philanthropic efforts.


Name: Sue Devitt
Location: Australia and NYC
Occupation: Global Beauty Authority, International celebrity makeup artist, and founder of Sue Devitt Beauty

What makes you tick: My personal mantra is "Beauty is an adventure … with endless destinations.” For me, the adventure is trekking out to the far and distant corners of the world for inspiration. In these destinations, I see gorgeous colors that I interpret into makeup collections for women worldwide.

Current project: I am currently working with Coral Reefs in the South Pacific (CRISP), a non-profit ocean-conservation organization based in the French territory of New Caledonia that protects the coral reefs, the South Pacific eco-systems, and the communities that depend on them. Its economic and environmental initiatives address and ensure biodiversity and the sustainable development of the oceans. Proceeds from our NEW Destination Eye & Cheek Palette in Solomon Islands launching this Spring 2010 benefit non-profit organization Coral Reefs in the South Pacific (CRISP) to help protect the ecosystems.

Any charities your work is linked to and why do you feel passionate about those charities: As an explorer with a passion and respect for a variety of global traditions and environments, I developed a deep affinity for one of the world’s oldest lands, Africa.  That long-abiding connection ultimately led to my involvement with the non-profit organization, Africa Foundation, which is dedicated to sustainable empowerment and development of rural African communities, focusing on education, health care and income generation. Proceeds from our Serengeti Destination Eye Palette benefit Africa Foundation to provide water solutions throughout Tanzania.

Favorie section on the SkinnyintheCity.com and why: FAB, naturally. It is infinitely useful for me to stay in-the-know through industry social media these days.

What you would do if you have 1 hour free completely to yourself: Meditate.

What you would do if you had 1 year free completely to yourself: Travel. One cannot travel for any length of time and remain untouched by the earth's raw beauty and the wisdom and learning from rural communities scattered across the globe. A year’s worth of travel would inspire me in unimaginable ways.

Is there a particular quote or piece of advice someone gave you that has stuck with you: Generosity of nature creates inspiration for beauty. We can follow its example in creating beauty through generosity.

If you could tell women one thing to make a priority in their lives, what would it be: I think it’s vitally important to care for every aspect of yourself in order to achieve your full beauty potential. Applying my own or anyone else’s makeup without first addressing the skin’s needs makes no sense to me at all. Skin care is equally as important as makeup so it needs to be addressed before we even start thinking of cosmetics.

How do you stay in shape: For me, routine is important so I have a standing Pilates appointment with my instructor every Tuesday morning and I go to a semi-private Pilates class every Thursday morning before work. Weekends I get in my cardio and yoga.

Favorite healthy snack or meal: Vegetarian raw lasagna

Favorite indulgence (food or otherwise!): A week at a spa in the Maldives, just because…

Woman We Love: Designing with… Kendra Scott

A mom of two young boys and a proud resident of Austin, Texas, Kendra Scott makes beautiful jewelry for the everyday woman. A designer and entrepreneur by spirit, she started her first company, The Hat Box, when she was just 19 years old. Her specialty store donated much of its profits to cancer research organizations — in a nod to her stepfather, who had just been diagnosed himself. Since then, her ventures have always had a charitable heart. In 2002, Kendra began her jewelry line out of the spare bedroom of her home with an initial investment of just $500. Thanks to her creativity and determination, Kendra Scott Design, Inc. has become a multimillion-dollar company in only seven years! Kendra’s jewelry line can be found at top retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, more than 600 boutiques worldwide, and of course, at kendrascott.com.

Skinny Bonus:Enter SKINNY01 upon checkout to receive 25% off your entire order from June 16 – June 26!


Name: Kendra Scott
Age: 35
Location: Austin, Texas
Occupation: Jewelry designer and founder and CEO of Kendra Scott Design, Inc.
What makes me tick: Spending time with those I love. My family and friends inspire me to be the best I can be. Also, being surrounded by creative minds. It’s so inspiring and motivating to share ideas and brainstorm with free-thinking people.
Current project: Designing our 2010 Resort Collection — I’m mentally checking into the beach right now, the Amalfi Coast to be exact…love it! Who doesn’t love bright, happy colors?!
How I give back: I’ve always been a huge fan of supporting women’s and children’s charities. Family comes first at my company. I’m on the board of LifeWorks in Austin, a charity whose mission is to transition youth and families from crisis to safety and success. I am also involved with The Go Red Campaign for Women, which was founded by the American Heart Association to spread awareness of women’s heart disease. I’ve also donated some beautiful jewels to Dress for Success, a fantastic organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by giving them the tools they need to succeed in work and in life.  
My favorite Skinny section: Skinny Kitchen! It’s perfect for a mom-on-the-go like me who loves quick little articles that have a big impact on the way you feed your family. I need all the help I can get in the kitchen!
If I had 1 hour completely to myself, I would… get a pedicure and manicure, hands down!
If I had 1 year free completely to myself, I would… travel the world with my husband and two little boys. It’s so wonderful to discover new places and cultures together as a family. 
Likes: Jewelry, of course! Shoes, traveling, girls’ weekends with my sisters, color, giving back, public speaking, sushi, Rock Band, Broadway (Mamma Mia is my fave!!), music (Austin has the best!)
Dislikes: Dream stealers. There are always naysayers in the world, so do your best to listen to your heart and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t — because you can!
Favorite quotes: I have two which both basically say to live life to the fullest:
“Never, never, never give up.” –Winston Churchill
“Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.” –Albert Einstein
Favorite healthy snack: Apple slices with organic peanut butter
Favorite indulgences: Jimmy Choo and Krispy Kreme doughnuts!

Woman We Love: Taking a time out with… Lyss Stern

Lyss Stern’s philosophy? Being a mom shouldn’t mean giving up your style and confidence! The chic New York native and mother of two created Divalysscious Moms, divamoms.com, a social network that caters to new moms who feel the same. From fun events to nursery consultations, her company, started by five friends, makes mom the word. Lyss also writes a weekly column, Divalyssciously Yours, for The New York Sun, is the lifestyle correspondent for Cookie magazine, and shares her expertise on all things mommy in many more publications. Her new book, If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself, is just as lovable as she is!

Name: Lyss Stern
Age: 35
Location: New York City
Occupation: Diva Fab Creator of Divalysscious Moms
My mission: I’m eager to keep all moms tuned in to the cultural and chic happenings of the city — I’ve made those once daunting “No Strollers Allowed” signs a concern of the past. Instead I fill New York moms’ calendars with mom- and kid-friendly festivities. Think shopping fêtes on Madison Avenue, makeovers at Henri Bendel’s, and annual holiday bashes at FAO Schwarz and Dylan’s Candy Bar. And our events are always replete with incredible prizes and gift bags filled with goodies like spa certificates, DVDs, and beauty products!
What’s taking up my time now: Working on my next book, creating a Divalysscious Moms TV Show, and trying to turn If You Give a Mom a Martini into a movie.
Favorite Skinny section: Obsessions! There’s nothing better than receiving the Obsessions email in my inbox.
If I had 1 hour completely to myself, I would… I don’t know, considering I never do! But my dream would be getting an hour-long facial with the best facialist in NYC, Ildi Pekar.
If I had 1 year completely to myself, I would… travel the world. My dream is to take a wild safari in Africa, stay at an Ashram in India, see the pyramids in Egypt, climb the great wall in China, float in the Dead Sea in Israel, and spend the last part of my trip in the Seychelles islands.
If I could tell women one thing to make a priority in their lives, it would be… have a “Mommy Time Out.” Moms that run their own businesses also need to take a few minutes out of their busy day for themselves. I have a strong philosophy that if mom isn't happy then the children won't be happy. Take ten minutes to meditate, get a quick ten-minute back massage at the local nail salon, look through a magazine, or even take ten minutes to make a phone call to a friend, completely unrelated to work, just to say hi.
Favorite quote: “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” -Coco Chanel

Woman we love: Getting confident with… Karen Elizaga

After years of practicing law, Karen Elizaga came to a realization: She disliked her career and yet was still able to love all the other aspects of her life. Why couldn’t she love all aspects — and why couldn’t she teach others to while she was at it? So she quit law and started Forward Options, a company that began by running seminars for girls in their teens but soon expanded to executive life coaching and workshops for women (and men) of all ages. Karen helps women all over the world harness their inner self-confidence so they can communicate effectively, clarify their goals, and move on up in their personal and professional lives. Can’t make a workshop? Sign up for her monthly newsletter at forwardoptions.com. Count us in!

Skinny Bonus: Forward Options will offer 20% off the first month of coaching when you mention Skinny! (Offer expires May, 31, 2009)


Name: Karen Elizaga
Age: 38
Location: NYC and Westport, CT
Occupation: Life/executive coach and founder of Forward Options
What makes you tick: Helping people discover (or rediscover) their “mojo.” Life is too short and too important to be playing with mediocrity of spirit.
Current project: Many! Always! Helping my clients, coaching seminars, working on our free camp for girls called Dorothy Rose 13, publishing my book If I’m so Amazing, Why Can’t I Get the Job I Want? , and writing my next one Feminine Mojo .
One life-changing moment: When I realized that nutrition is about health and vitality, not just about how I fit into my jeans.
Favorite section on Skinny: I’m OBSESSED with Obsessions. I love the breadth of what this column covers. I always discover fabulous tips on nutrition, fashion, fitness. 
What you would do if you have 1 hour free completely to yourself: Meditate! I love it but don’t do it enough. 
What you would do it you had 1 year free completely to yourself: Travel. I’d go back and have a couple more safari adventures in Africa. I’d visit Bhutan where they track gross national happiness (GNH) just as we track gross domestic product. I’d spend some time in Manila, Westport, Honolulu, and of course, NYC with my family (both near and extended).
Favorite quote: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot.  I often hear (and believed this at different points in my own life) that “it’s too late…” or “if only I had…” We can recreate our existence at any time.
Favorite indulgence: Even though I avoid most dairy, I make (at least) a weekly exception for coffee ice cream. I have tried it in virtually every form. My counter-indulgence is my fabulous gym habit. Even in this economy, I won’t give up my health.

Women we love: Going global with… Manuela Testolini

Growing up in the worldly city of Toronto the daughter of an Italian father and Egyptian mother, Manuela has appreciated the richness of other cultures for as long as she can remember. It only makes sense, then, that she grew up to be a true citizen of the world. Along with her global-minded lifestyle company Gamillah, Inc., makers of the very obsession-worthy Altru candles, she started the foundation In a Perfect World (iapw.org) to help children become socially-responsible leaders. Busy, busy Manuela truly lives by her favorite quote, from Ayn Rand: “The question is not who is going to let me, it’s who is going to stop me.” Not us!

Name: Manuela Testolini
Age: 32
Location: Toronto and L.A.
Occupation: Philanthropist and entrepreneur
What makes you tick: Being able to have a positive impact on my surroundings.
Where my time goes: I’m currently working on the launch of my Altru Purity fragrance collection. It’s a beautiful fusion of exotic white flowers (altrubygamillah.com).
Favorite section on Skinny and the City: I love them all! But I definitely gravitate towards articles on health and wellness, as well as Raven’s section. My dad was a restaurateur and I’m a diehard foodie!
If I had one hour completely to myself I would… take a nap! Sleep is a hot commodity in my busy life.
If I had one year completely to myself… I’d choose six places to travel to, and spend two months in each place, immersing myself in the culture — language, food, music, and traditions.
Likes: Travel, foreign films, language, quantum physics, cooking, community service, world music, love.
Dislikes: In no particular order — goat cheese and avocados, inconsiderate people, long flights.
Favorite healthy snacks: Applesauce (unsweetened) with cinnamon, flaxseeds, slivered almonds, and raisins.
Favorite indulgences: Fran’s dark chocolate & grey sea salt caramels. Yum!
If I could tell women one thing to make a priority in their lives, it would be… themselves! As women, we too often put everyone else first. We have to understand that unless we replenish ourselves, we cannot be of any real service to anyone else.

The Skinny on Fashion Week 2009

Skinny Q&A: Talking high fashion with Project Runway alum Daniel Vosovic

As fashion week continues in New York, we don’t want to miss a single strut down the runway. We checked in with one of our favorite designers, Project Runway alum Daniel Vosovic, to get the Skinny on all things Fashion Week. From celeb sightings to fur capelets, find out what excites the fresh-faced designer about this season’s shows.

Q: Can you walk us through a day at Bryant Park during fashion week?

A: It really is as exciting as you’d think! From walking up to the tents, to wading through a sea of fashionistas in order to find your seat, to your first Anna Wintour sighting — it’s all great! My favorite part is walking up to the tents when you can see all of these fans teetering around in sky high heels and draped in the latest fashion, all in one city block. After you make your way into the main lobby, it’s a matter of pushing your way through the line and past those whose names “must’ve been misspelled.” Once in, you find your seat and people watch: magazine editors, stylists and their celeb clients, well-known socialites, and lots of people who aren’t nearly as important as they think they are — there’s so much ego in fashion it’s insane!

Q: What’s the day like when it’s your show?

A: So far, I’ve only had the pleasure of showing once at the tents, but the only word to describe it is surreal. There are so many people moving around trying to get things done, others not moving fast enough, and then you’re in the middle of it all trying to answer questions smoothly and keep everyone motivated and happy. Afterwards, you feel like you were just in the middle of a big, fabulous fashion tornado.

Q: What shows are you most excited to see this year?

A: I’m excited to see many of the shows this year, particularly due to the economic concerns our world is facing. Fashion can be a frivolous thing and it can be difficult to get people excited to go out there and shop again. I understand that fashion should reflect the times, but as a consumer, if I’m feeling broke as a joke, I’d rather spend my money on something that looks designer, something unexpected and meaningful. I don’t want more basics.

Q: How do you dress for a fashion show? Do you have to wear the designer?

A: You don’t have to wear the designer to their show; that “rule” is primarily observed by the celeb invitees and editors who have time to change in-between shows. For the rest of us, more is more! Fashion should be fun. Where else can you see someone wearing a cropped fur capelet, patent platform wedges, satin pants, and a fedora? And that’s just the men.

Here’s to a stylish week — and year!
Chloe

Skinny Q&A: Talking food with Natalia Rusin, Rouge Tomate’s resident dietitian

If you are what you eat, then patrons of Rouge Tomate are certainly healthy, thanks in no small part to Natalia Rusin, R.D. She’s the dietitian behind the New York restaurant’s in-season, locally grown menu, designed for optimal nutrition. Eating out truly doesn’t get healthier than this! We caught up with Rusin to find out what it’s like to help create a restaurant’s menu — and to collect some fail-proof nutrition tips for you.

Q: Tell us about your background.

A: When I was in culinary school at Johnson & Wales, they introduced a new degree, Culinary Nutrition. So I decided to become a registered dietitian as well as a chef. Soon I realized I didn’t enjoy being in the back of a kitchen cooking all day. Instead, I became a personal chef, a gig I still do about three times a week for a few local families. I heard about the Rouge Tomate job through that network.