So I was hanging out with Tim Gunn the other night…yes, that Tim Gunn, and yes, I was really hanging out with him!  Tim Gunn was in Cincinnati to kick off the SmartTalk Connected Conversation Series at the Aronoff.  Tim packed the house with the VIP reception party prior to the event.  Gracious as ever, he really took the time to meet people, ask them questions, sign portfolios, and even encourage some design students that were hanging on his every word (understandably).  I envision those young fashion design students to be dedicating their early influencers to Mr. Gunn.  Tim was everything a star should be…kind, gracious to his fans, and engaging.

Tim’s speech was equally engaging, as he shared his experiences at Parsons, Fashion Runway, Tim Gunn’s Guide To Style, and Hollywood.  Tim’s style is to “make it work” for your particular body style.  He isn’t trying to push a near-skeletal frame to women, insisting that it’s the only way fashion will work on a woman’s body.  Instead, he personalizes style more to the individual.  And he delivers it all with his unmistakable “Tim Gunn” charm.   He has a confidence that just oozes from him.  Classy, yet not stuffy.  Kind to the core.  Kudos to SmartTalk on thinking out of the box with January’s speaker (first male celebrity ever!)  Join us in February as SmartTalk welcomes Arianna Huffington to the Aronoff in Cincinnati.  Click here for tickets and information.

Tim Gunn will be at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Theater on January 14th for a night of fun and insight with SmartTalk Connected Conversations.   SmartTalk has been bringing women together to experience the power of the spoken word since 1991. In the past several years, SmartTalk has grown into one of the most powerful and entertaining live events in the nation. The core mission of SmartTalk stems from the idea that women are inspired by the heart and voice of other remarkable women. In fact, we became more than just a lecture series but a series of connected conversations. These thoughts, stories and pieces of advice shared face to face create invaluable connected conversations that truly renew, enrich and uplift the spirit.

You have a chance to win tickets to see Tim Gunn!  Simply leave a comment and let us know you want to see Tim!  A name will be drawn at random, and the winner will receive two tickets to attend the show.  Good luck!

Just when you think Chaz Dean can’t do it any better, he does.  We loved WEN’s Fall Ginger Pumpkin, and equally love WEN’s Winter Vanilla Mint.  Chaz is very intuitive in that his products align with the seasons, and provide as much aromatherapy as they do hair nourishment.  This product slightly tingles on the scalp and awakens the senses.  It provides exactly what you expect out of a WEN product…mega-moisturizing to the hair.  If your hair lacks body and is dry, this product will truly give you bounce and moisture in one use.  Phenomenal product…can’t wait to see what he has coming in the Spring!  Check out Chaz’s entire line here.

Although many basic rules of makeup application stand the test of time, certainly, makeup application goes through its fair share of trends.  Donna Mills, the 1980s glam queen, gave us The Eyes Have It.  It’s her 80s version of all things glam.  Check out this hilarious look at old school Donna.

Looking for the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life?  SmartTalk will bring the sensational Tim Gunn to Cincinnati on January 14th, and there’s no time like the present to get tickets…and save.  Shop SmartTalk’s Holiday sale for 20% off tickets – starting Tuesday November 18^th.    Simply use “SANTA” to get the discount.  Shop now and save big!

Cincinnati is gearing up for its 2012 season with some of the biggest names in show business.  Smart Talk Connected Conversations is bringing the above noted speakers to the Aronoff from January through May 2012.  What could be better than hearing fabulous celebs sharing their stories with you and then a personal meet and greet photo opportunity?  How about discounted tickets?!  Simply use the code SB2012 when purchasing tickets to receive your tickets at VIP pricing.  Join us January through May for the hottest ticket in Cincinnati.

The beautiful chameleon that is Katy Perry turns 27 today.  Katy’s outrageous and gorgeous style makes her an icon.   She takes rock-starring to a whole new level with her over the top style…which she so rocks.  Check our her amazing style!

Do you obsess over your home’s design?  Are you constantly looking to books and magazines for great interior design ideas?  Is your DVR full of HGTV design shows?  Then you’ll love Design Sponge.   Design Sponge is one of the most popular design blogs in cyberspace, and has a celeb readership (Nate Berkus reads it regularly).   Design Sponge is packed full of great ideas to transform your home into your sanctuary.  Jump over and check out the blog here.

  Blake Lively always gets it right when it comes to fab hairstyles!  Steal this look from Blake in a matter of minutes.  It’s actually a very simple hairstyle.   This style works well with long hair.  Here’s how it works:  Flat iron hair straight.  Next, part hair on the side and create a very low, slick and sleek, ponytail.  If need be, use hair straightening product to slick down your bangs.  Your low ponytail should hit the nape of the neck.  Next, create a bun by simply twisting hair around itself and securing it at the nape of the neck.  Secure with another ponytail holder.  Next, pull pieces from the bun to create a messy look.  Pull a few long pieces to depth.  Use bobby pins to secure pieces in place.  Flat iron the tiny pieces of hair from the bun to make them pop.  It’s super simple and a great fix if you are having a bad hair day.  Once you get the hang of it, it will take you less than five minutes to achieve this look.  This hairstyle looks great with a gorgeous dress….or even in jeans or Juicy Couture’s.  Try it!

Need some inspiration to start that business or follow your dream?  If you take a chance and are successful, you could join the ranks of Forbes Magazine’s Highest Earning Women.  Take a look at their W2′s for the year and see if it inspires you to follow your dream!

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Miss Oprah, a longtime reigning breadwinner earned a cool $290 million.

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Second on the highest earners list is Lady Gaga.  For this female artist, going against the grain and being outrageous has proven mega success, and a $90 million dollar paycheck this year.

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Breakout reality TV star Bethenny Frankel surprises the masses with her genius brand marketing of Skinny Girl that padded her checking account with $55 million dollars this year.

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Throwing the notion, beauty is only skin deep, to the curb, Gisele Bundchen made $45 million dollars off of her appearance this year.

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Ellen DeGeneres tickled our funny bones to the tune of $45 million dollars.

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