Favorite Holiday Gifts at the Newly Renovated Macy's Downtown Brooklyn

Last month while touring Macy's Downtown Brooklyn grand reopening at 422 Fulton Street, I chose my favorite holiday items from each department (Home, Cosmetics, Men's, Women's and Home) and wanted to share my gift picks with you!

The Lower Level houses a breathtaking Furniture and Home Store including mattresses and festive top of table favorites. 

While shopping, in the Home department, this was one of those times where I didn't know what I was looking for until I found it! I found the perfect lightweight luggage: the Delsey Helium Shadow Hardside Spinner Suitcase in Black Cherry ($280), which happens to have a front laptop pocket! I didn't see any other carry-on at Macy's that had one! I don't like to check my bag if I don't have to, and it's always an extra step to unzip my bag and then take out my laptop while going through security at the airport. So I can't wait to use this for my next trip in January to Vegas! This gift to myself is also to inspire me to travel more next year, even if it's just for a long weekend getaway. My second favorite item from the Home department is the Sharper Image Calming Comfort 15lb Weighted Blanket ($260). Problem is that I may never get out of bed if I get this!

The Cosmetics department was expanded to 18,000 square-feet and now features brands like Dio, BObby Brown, Kiehl's Urban Decay, NYDX, Philosophy, IT Cosmetics, Smashbox, Tarte, Anastasia, Tweezer Man, Juicy Couture, Bare Minerals, and Benefit Cosmetics. 

In the Cosmetics department, there are so many cute gift sets but the one that caught my eye is a 20-Pc The Chubettes lip set by Clinique ($49.50). It's a gift I can share, since I can break down the set and use as stocking stuffers. I also love that they are mini-size so for on-the-go, travel or the office. 

The second floor Men's department has been improved with brand additions including Superdry, G-Star, Armani Exchange, DKNY, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Hudson, and Reason. Men will also enjoy a newly added Big and Tall shop. 

At the Men's department, I decided to go with a tech accessory, as it's the easiest gift when you don't want to worry about choosing the right size or style for someone. I chose the Tzumi Electronics Deco Series Speaker ($80) in Beige, which has a modern design and a powerful sound!

On the third floor, Women's Ready-to-Wear and Juniors have received brand additions including DKNY, Rachel Rachel Roy, Guess, Dickies, Juicy Couture, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, BCBGMAXAZRIA and plus size brand, City Chic. Suit Separates, Petites, and Swim categories have also been added. 

In Women's Ready-to-Wear and Juniors I immediately found my way toward the cashmere section and chose the Charter Club Pure Cashmere Oversized Scarf in Blush Heather Combo ($169). Winter is my least favorite season, but what I do love about it is being able to wear cashmere. The throw-on works as a layering piece to your outfit, but also to keep you warm and cozy at home or at the office. 

Also on the third floor is MyStylist @ Macy's, a personalized, complimentary shopping service dedicated to finding the perfect fashions for every customer. MyStylist @ Macy's guides shoppers in selecting the best gifts for all occasions for friends and family. 

When I asked Heather Clark, Fashion Stylist and Corporate Sales Executive what the 'It List' pieces are this holiday season, her response was "anything fuzzy, sparkly or leathery."

Macy's has a ton of holiday sales going on right now, including additional discounts so check them out at Macy's.com or at the renovated 278,000 square-foot Macy's Downtown Brooklyn location! 

- Kim Weling

Macy's Beauty Box Review - April 2018

Do you know about Macy's Beauty Box subscription? I actually didn't know about it until recently, and decided to try it out starting with the April box, which focused on natural/earthy products, which was a perfect fit for Earth Month.

Macy's Beauty Box launched last fall for $15 per month, and comes with five deluxe beauty samples, one bonus item, $5 off your next beauty purchase and a collectible cosmetic bag designed exclusively for Macy's Beauty Box subscribers. Each month's Beauty Box is a surprise, with each deluxe sample specially chosen by Macy's beauty experts.

The April 2018 Natural Wonders box included the following samples:

- Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial
- Origins GinZing™ Refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff
- Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint (5 mL)
- Schmidt’s Rose + Vanilla deodorant, travel size
- Tony Moly I'm Real Green Tea Sheet Mask, full size
- bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Sample Pods

I've actually used the Origins GinZing™ Refreshing eye cream before, so this sample size version is perfect to travel with. My face gets more oily in the summer, so I'm happy that the Coola Mineral SPF 30 has a matte finish. I have a sensitivity to deodorants so I'm glad Schmidt's has plant & mineral-derived ingredients instead of aluminum. I like the deodorant itself, I'm just not crazy about the Rose +Vanilla scent since I'm really not into floral scents. I would love to try the Bergamot + Lime and Lavender + Sage scents. That being said, I'm not a fan of the Korres Wild Rose scent but I do like the sleeping facial itself - it makes my skin feel smooth and soft. 

The Tony Moly green tea mask is for brightening skin tone, and works great. I am always up for trying out new sheet masks, since I like to use them 2-3 times per week at night before I go to bed. The bareMinerals Complexion Rescue sample pods included four shades. The natural shade works for my skin tone yet the tan shade will match as I get more sun throughout the summer. I think my perfect shade would be in between both the natural and tan shades, which they do make, but isn't included with the sample pods. I do like that it has SPF 30 built in and has a lightweight, sheer-to-medium coverage. 

Overall I was happy with the items in my April box. I'm glad there were different types of skincare items, and I love the brands that were featured. The pouch or cosmetic bag in each monthly box is definitely a plus. With subscription boxes, I feel like you aren't going to like everything you get but it's worth it to find those products that you really do love. Plus I love sharing any products that won't work for me with friends and family. Thank you Macy's for giving me the chance to try this out! 

To sign up for Macy's Beauty Box, go to https://www.macys.com/subscription/beauty-box. You can also see what was included in some of the previous boxes. 

Here's a look at the May 2018 The Bronzed Look box, from highlighters to bronzers for a sun-kissed glow. Can't wait to see what is in the June box!

Macy's Herald Square and Bulova Celebrated The Grammys with Calum Scott Performance

On Thursday, January 25th, Macy’s Herald Square and Bulova invited guests to attend an exclusive cocktail reception at Stella 34, with a performance by breakout British artist Calum Scott in celebration of the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards®.

Since Bulova is the Official Timepiece Partner of the GRAMMY Awards®, the Bulova Special GRAMMY® Edition men's and women's watches from the Precisionist Collection were on display during the reception. 

Although I wasn't in town for the Grammys, I'm glad I got to enjoy this special pre-Grammys celebration. Calum performed his poignant version of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own," which has been a favorite of mine ever since it was released. He also performed his new single, "You Are The Reason" and will be releasing his debut album Only Human on March 9th on Capital Records. 

Check out some clips of Calum Scott's performance live and unplugged.

Above Photography by Kent Miller

- Kim Weling

Recap: Macy's Herald Square and Barbour Celebrate the Launch of Sam Heughan's Signature Collection

On September 28th, I had the opportunity to meet Outlander star Sam Heughan for the launch of the Sam Heughan's Signature Collection with Macy's and Barbour. For the launch, the first 200 customers enjoyed a meet and greet with Sam plus a photo op. It turns out fans had camped out since 2am the night before! Guests also enjoyed a whisky tasting with Laphroaig.

Heughan is a global ambassador for Barbour and created his own spin on some of their classic products to launch his very own Autumn Winter 2017 collection.

 

Photos by Krystal Pratt

Krystal Pratt Productions

- Kim Weling

Macy's Herald Square and Barbour Celebrate the Launch of Sam Heughan's Signature Collection

Macy’s Herald Square invites guests to celebrate the launch of Outlander star Sam Heughan's Signature Collection with Macy’s and Barbour. Heughan is a global ambassador for the brand and created his own spin on some of Barbour’s classic products with his very own Autumn Winter 2017 collection.

The first 200 customers to check-in will have a chance to meet and snap a photo with Sam. Customers can enjoy a fashion presentation of the new collection in the Barbour shop, spirit tastings and light bites. They will also have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a Barbour shopping spree for up to $1,000. Plus, those who make a $150 Barbour purchase will receive a special gift.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th @ 6:00PM

Macy’s Herald Square

Barbour Shop, 2nd Floor

151 West 34th Street

New York, NY 10001-210

Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection 2016 Presented by Macy's at New York Fashion Week

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach in Carmen Marc Valvo

The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women® Red Dress Collection™ 2016, presented by Macy's took place during New York Fashion Week on Thursday, February 11th at Skylight at Moynihan Station. More than 20 celebrities walked the runway in red designer gowns in an effort to raise awareness of heart disease in women. 

The annual fashion show, founded in 2003 by The Heart Truth®, reminds women of the need to protect their heart health and inspires them to take action. Our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends are at risk.Heart disease and stroke account for 1 in 3 deaths among women each year - more than all cancers combined. Let's unite to prevent heart disease and stroke. It's time time to out our hearts into it and Go Red For Women.

Olivia Culpo in Marchesa

Debbie Gibson in Jay Godfrey

Fran Drescher in La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni

Marilu Henner in Escada

Monica in IEENA for Mac Duggal

Above images courtesy of nyfw.com

- Kim Weling

Murad + Nataly Osmann Host INC S16 Campaign Launch Party

INC International Concepts

Photo credit: Samantha Nandez for BFA

On February 4th, INC International Concepts, exclusively at Macy's, celebrated the launch of its Spring 2016 campaign in collaboration with Murad and Nataly Osmann, the Instagram duo behind the iconic "Follow Me To" travel photos.

Hosted atop One World Observatory, INC unveiled its Spring 2016 campaign for the first time via large-scale photo installations and product vignettes with styles from the INC men's and women's spring collections. Guests enjoyed a travel-themed experience with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and music by DJ Leslie Kirchhoff. Hosts Murad and Nataly Osmann showed guests how to recreate their signature "follow me to" pose with a special #FOLLOWINC photobooth.

Notalable guests included Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Chloe Norgaard, Shaun Ross, Ty Hunter, Simon Collins, Scott Lipps, Eric Rutherford, Leslie Kirchhoff

Shot in Mexico City by Osmann himself, the campaign features images of the globetrotting couple in their signature "follow me to" pose. The campaign and partnership will continue into Summer 2016 with a second quarter campaign shot in Morocco.

INC International Concepts

Photo credit: Samantha Nandez for BFA

Here are photos I took of vignettes, featuring +chambray and denim, beach chic, and black and white looks.

- Kim Weling

ALLERGY FACE™ Beauty Tips

Last month I joined Zyrtec and Celebrity Makeup Artist  Jamie Greenberg at the ALLERGY FACE™ Beauty Counter at the Macy's Flower Show for a one-on-one beauty makeover. Jamie took me through spring-inspired "looks" and tips and tricks to combat allergy-related beauty challenges like water eyes and a red nose. 

For my beauty makeover, I went with the "Nighttime Statement" look. A smoky eye helps when you are having a puffy eye day. Since I wear contact lenses, my eyes may sometime get watery during allergy season, causing my eyeliner to run. Jamie recommends using a waterproof eyeliner, applying it close to the lashes and setting it with eye shadow. Products used for my "Nighttime Statement" look include: 

Skin: Benefit Cosmetics fakeup medium #2

Brows: Benefit Cosmetics gimme brow medium/deep

Eyes: Benefit Cosmetics Big Beautiful Eyes Kit / 

BADgal liner waterproof - black

Cheeks: Benefit Cosmetics Hervana

Lips: Benefit Cosmetics hoola ultra plush

Click on these additional spring-inspired "looks" for step-by-step tips on how to create them. The "fresh-faced & fabulous" look will help with redness of the nose. 

The "red carpet ready" look is inspired by actress and long-time allergy sufferer, Debra Messing. This look is for those whose allergy-related beauty challenge is a red nose. This look will play down redness by enhancing your eyes and using a makeup highlighter on your skin. 

This "cat eye chic" look is a timeless classic that allows you to focus on making a statement with your eyes.

Try the "barest beauty" look for color correcting redness and contouring your face. 

If you suffer from watery eyes, the "hollywood siren" look allows for less makeup on the eyes and draws focus to a bold, red lip coupled with a contoured face. 

For more information about ALLERGY FACE™, visit zyrtec.com.

- Kim Weling