{NM Daily}

Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas

Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, the creator of 37 Extreme Actives, splits her time between her own research clinic and private practice in laser and aesthetic dermatology on Park Avenue in New York City. This has placed her in an ideal position to confront today’s most prevalent skin care challenge – aging. She coined the term “derma-scientist” to describe her hybrid career. Noting her three degrees from Harvard – a bachelor’s, a medical degree and a doctorate in genetics – it’s safe to say we trust this doctor’s orders.

By applying her scientific knowledge daily to care for her dermatology patients and by observing their follow-up first hand, she is able to critically evaluate whether a particular ingredient works and is well tolerated by her patients long-term. This consistent scientific research in skincare prompted her to invent her first product, 37 Extreme Actives.

Trina Turk is the creative force behind the 16-year-old contemporary, lifestyle label that bears her name.  Her collection is known for ladylike sportswear silhouettes and a resort sensibility inspired by the multicultural mix, architecture and landscape of Los Angeles and Southern California.  This Fall, Trina Turk introduces a collection of evening dresses and coats, available at neimanmarcus.com and select Neiman Marcus stores.

NM: How important is style in your everyday life?

TT: Style is extremely important. Not just clothing; even the mug I drink coffee out of in the morning. 

The Rachel Zoe Collection has been creating quite the frenzy at Neiman Marcus stores since its launch in early August. But the buzz really went “bananas” this past week when the celebrity-stylist-turned-fashion-designer went on a tour of Southern California Neiman Marcus stores to present her Fall 2011 collection. Not only did NM Fashion Director Ken Downing sit side-by-side with her, co-hosting the runway presentations at Fashion Island, Beverly Hills and Topanga, he also was hands-on backstage — styling and prepping the models for their big moments. Enjoy this candid footage of Ken styling looks from the Rachel Zoe Collection backstage at Fashion Island, in Newport Beach.

Shop the Rachel Zoe Collection at NeimanMarcus.com and in NM stores.

Los Angeles-based Swag Like Us allows style to speak for itself with playful pop-culture references.  Each Swag Like Us T-shirt offers a bold graphic or image inspired by an iconic movie or song lyric. Backed by former music executives, Swag Like Us holds licensing agreements with music publishers and movie studios such as HBO, MGM and EMI Music Publishing ensuring original designs derived from timeless pop culture references. Plus, each purchase comes with a free song download, extending the life of the purchase.

Every time you buy Swag Like Us at NeimanMarcus.com, you will be entered to win a VIP trip for two to Los Angeles for the American Music Awards!  We’re talking airfare, hotel, limo service and passes to the award show, the pre-party and the red carpet – everything you need to hang with the biggest stars of the music industry.  Shop at neimanmarcus.com and enter to win for a limited time.

The Fall Face as seen on Karlie Kloss.

You’ll see this sophisticated makeup look on supermodel Karlie Kloss and others in Neiman Marcus publications all season. It incorporates peachy pink cheeks, a strong brow, a light smokey eye, a sweep of mascara and, of course, a Bordeaux lip (the hue of the season.) We call it the Fall Face. Watch as makeup artist L.B. Rosser dolls up model Clara Settje, using some of the most coveted products of the season, so you can take away tips and recreate the look at home.

Designer Erin Fetherston

Girl-about-town and designer Erin Fetherston was born and raised in the San Francisco bay area. After graduating from UC Berkeley and attending Parsons School of Art and Design in Paris, she launched her own label in 2005 during the Paris haute couture shows. Fetherston has been living in NYC since 2007, designing her eponymous collection. In 2010, she was named guest designer for Juicy Couture and created a capsule collection for the label. This Fall, Fetherston is launching a new contemporary collection called Erin, which has her signature feminine, whimsical and romantic sensibility.

Marc Jacobs’ Stam bag incorporates 50 components, many of which are brass hardware, fabricated in Florence. Most of the assembly, right down to the stitching of the handles, is done by hand.

Click to catch up on Part I, Part II, and Part III.

Marc Jacobs handbags are available on NeimanMarcus.com and Neiman Marcus stores.

My friend Harriet Mays Powell, fashion editor extraordinaire of TheLookNow, joined me to discuss the most desirable and luxurious accessories of this Fall season. And we couldn’t keep our hands still! Not only are this season’s trends visually stimulating with so much color, shimmer and gold, they’re also full of incredibly luxurious textures like python and fur. As you can see, we were like kids in a candy store. Thanks again to Harriet and TheLookNow!

Shop Fall shoes and handbags at NeimanMarcus.com.

Marc Jacobs’ handbag workshop puts the bag’s components through intense stress tests to ensure that they hold up against heat, humidity, abrasion, etc. Next, a computer-generated pattern is used to cut the leather by hand.

Click to catch up on Part I and Part II.

Marc Jacobs handbags are available on NeimanMarcus.com and Neiman Marcus stores.

The production of a Marc Jacobs handbag continues at the Antiba Tannery in Florence, where leathers are dyed and graded. Only the top-graded pieces ares shipped to the Marc Jacobs leather atelier.

Did you miss Part I of the video series? View it here.

Marc Jacobs handbags are available at NeimanMarcus.com and Neiman Marcus stores.