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Reporting from Milan Fashion Week, aka We’re Not in Kansas Anymore!

September 23rd, 2010 by Karen 81 Comments

What it do, homeskillet? Are you ready for a few days of gelato-fueled fun!?

Remember how I spent most of Monday stuck in San Francisco working out the kinks with my passport? Well, tomorrow morning my cameras and I are off to Italy to cover Dolce & Gabbana’s Milan Fashion Week show.

I’ll be knee-deep in makeup backstage at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2011 show on Sunday, digging up deets on the runway looks and bringing you insider beauty tips from the incomparable Pat McGrath (she collaborated with Dolce & Gabbana on their makeup and brush collection).

Before and after the show, camera batteries willing, I’ll try to capture as many interesting Italian makeup and beauty brands as possible and share them here on the blog.

I wonder how many miles of walking it takes to burn off four days of gelato…

You ready to visit the land where Nutella was born? Let’s do this! 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Reporting from Milan Fashion Week, aka We’re Not in Kansas Anymore! / Originally published September 23rd, 2010

There are 81 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: News Keywords: dolce & gabbana, milan

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Comments

  1. amy says

    September 23rd, 2010 at 11:53 pm

    Buona Sera Karen, lucky girl gets to go to Italia. Buona Fortuna and have lots of fun for us.
    amy recently posted … MAC Fabulous Villains Launch Party and Mini Haul

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:58 am

      Hi Amy,

      Ooh, thank you for the lovely Italian greetings! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jen says

    September 24th, 2010 at 1:56 am

    Oh my God, I’m so jealous! Have fun! (I would say something in Italian, because I’ve studied it for 3 years, but I can’t remember any of it. For shame.)

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:58 am

      Hi Jen,

      No worries, I’m the same way with French! I can only say random things like “Hurry up, we’re gonna miss the bus!” and “I want a ham sandwich.”

      Reply
  3. Manuela says

    September 24th, 2010 at 1:57 am

    Buon viaggio Karen! 🙂
    Hope you like Italy and….. you have to try the Nutella ice-cream flavour, it’s the best ever!! 😉

    Cheers!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:56 am

      Hi Manuela,

      I have a feeling I’m going to love it! Do you ever travel to Milan?

      Reply
  4. Ithfifi says

    September 24th, 2010 at 2:00 am

    Wowsa, amazing! I hope you have a fantastic time!
    Ithfifi recently posted … Time for some positivity! Tagging random people!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:56 am

      Hi Ithfifi,

      The trip should be fun! Have you ever been to Italy?

      Reply
      • Ithfifi says

        September 24th, 2010 at 6:54 pm

        I’m sad to say I havn’t, I’d never pass the chance up if it was offered to me! :c BUT, I assisted some makeup artists in London on london fashion week back in… 2008? and 2009(I did a course with AOFM who are sponsered by MAC, benefit etc and take alot of doing with LFK) Wow was it that long ago? It was FANFABULATASTIC! I really hope you enjoy your time backstage, enjoy the vibe and hecticness that is runway!! 😀 Ps, got one spare ticket for me? 😛
        Ithfifi recently posted … Time for some positivity! Tagging random people!

        Reply
  5. gio says

    September 24th, 2010 at 2:26 am

    That’s amazing! I hope you have a wonderful time.
    gio recently posted … New Collection- Diego Dalla Palma Rock and Glam fall 2010

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:55 am

      Thanks, Gio!

      Have a great weekend. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Mariachiara says

    September 24th, 2010 at 2:27 am

    Whaaaaat??? You’re coming here, in my city (very close to mine)?!?! Watch out for famous italian make up brands, like KIKO,MADINA, pupa, deborah, and of course the higher ones that you can find at Rinascente! oooh how would I like to meet you!!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:55 am

      Hi Mariachiara,

      AWESOME! I can’t wait to check those brands out!

      Are there any places you can recommend to go makeup shopping? I’d love to hear about your favorite spots.

      Reply
      • Mariachiara says

        September 24th, 2010 at 3:01 pm

        as many told you, KIKO are a little bit everywhere in milan, and Madina in Via Meravigli, about the higher end brands, I don’t raccomend you to buy it here because you will end up spending a LOT more than in the US, both for the higher prices and the exchange rate $/€!!!!! Just check out Collistar and pupa in places like Sephora or Limoni!

        Reply
  7. Sarah Bokhari says

    September 24th, 2010 at 2:44 am

    oh wow ! have fun :)w

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:53 am

      Hi Sarah,

      It should be a fun trip! Are you familiar with any Italian beauty brands? If you are I’d love to hear about them.

      Hope you’re having a lovely Friday!

      Reply
  8. Giulia says

    September 24th, 2010 at 2:55 am

    Enjoy Milan! It’s a wonderful city, I could never live anywhere else!
    xxx

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:52 am

      Hi Giulia,

      I’m really excited to visit your city. Do you have any good insider tips for me? I want to do some sightseeing while I’m there, but I only have a day to pack it all in. If you have any must see places to see/shop/eat I’d love to hear about them!

      Happy Friday!

      Reply
  9. Fieran says

    September 24th, 2010 at 3:09 am

    That’s great news Karen – good luck and have a good time. I haven’t been to Milan – only Venice and I have to say the little bit of Italy that I saw then is gorgeous. If you like not-so-healthy food (no such thing as junk food! :)) Barilla the company famous for its pasta has a range of biscuits that are not very sweet, but really delicious with a mug of tea.

    P/s – Gelato eaten far from home don’t really count in calories. Besides, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do when she’s faced with so much temptation – give in and worry about it later 😉

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:51 am

      Hi Fieran,

      Maybe foreign gelato is like chocolate at midnight… the calories don’t count! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Paris B says

    September 24th, 2010 at 3:31 am

    I just got back from Rome and I’ve never been to Milan! You’re going to have so much fun and do so much walking but do not ever miss out on Italian food and try their local Nutella (not called Nutella but its the same thing). Much much better! 😉 Can’t wait for your report.
    Paris B recently posted … Spa Village Kuala Lumpur at Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:50 am

      Paris!!

      Do you have any good travel tips for me? I’ve never been to Italy and don’t know a lick of the language!

      Reply
  11. Vonvon says

    September 24th, 2010 at 4:17 am

    OMG!!! You are going to Italy! Have fun!! Looking forward to your stories from Milan!
    Vonvon recently posted … Photo- NEW Olay Body Wash Plus Sheer Moisture Ribbons With Mandarin Oil

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:49 am

      Hi Vonvon,

      Thanks! I’ll have all my techie stuff so I’ll be sure to update lots from the road. 🙂

      How are you doing? Got any fun plans for the weekend?

      Reply
  12. Sonja says

    September 24th, 2010 at 4:49 am

    Have a GREAT time dear!!!!!

    Ah, and do try that Nutella gelato, it is freaking amazing!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:48 am

      Hi Sonja,

      Yes ma’am! I’m a woman on a mission to get massive amounts of Nutella gelato, LOL!

      Reply
  13. Liza says

    September 24th, 2010 at 4:55 am

    KAREN! This is amazing! I’m so excited for you — I can’t wait to hear about it!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:47 am

      Hi Liza,

      I’ll obsessively take pictures so it’ll feel like we’re there together!

      What’s the plan for the weekend? Doing anything fun?

      Reply
  14. bisbee says

    September 24th, 2010 at 5:09 am

    How very exciting! Have a wonderful time!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:46 am

      Hi Bisbee,

      Thanks! It should be cool. 🙂

      How are things on your end? Having a good Friday so far?

      Reply
  15. Kajal Couture says

    September 24th, 2010 at 5:29 am

    OMG!!! This is such an amazing opportunity and I’m so excited for you! (and secretly wish I was your buddy you can bring along to share the prize…like on America’s Next Top Model….)
    Kajal Couture recently posted … Finallya look!!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:45 am

      LOL, that would be awesome! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Amber says

    September 24th, 2010 at 5:29 am

    How fun! Looking forward to your dispatches!

    Safe trip!
    Amber recently posted … A little more organization

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:45 am

      Hi Amber,

      It should be interesting and fun!

      How’s it going on your end? Whatcha got planned for the weekend?

      Reply
      • Amber says

        September 24th, 2010 at 7:29 am

        Not much planned, Mark has to work Saturday. I’ll sleep late, do the workout that I’m skipping today, do my nails (Bad Fairy!), and maybe bake something delicious!
        Amber recently posted … A little more organization

        Reply
        • Karen says

          September 24th, 2010 at 10:00 am

          Sounds relaxing and fun. Save me a slice of whatever you’re baking, LOL!

          Reply
          • Amber says

            September 24th, 2010 at 10:44 am

            Sure, if you send me some gelato from Italy. 😉

            My in-laws are in Italy right now. Believe today they are visiting Norcia, known for its pork. We are reading their updates with jealousy!
            Amber recently posted … A little more organization

  17. Michelle says

    September 24th, 2010 at 5:47 am

    What an exciting opportunity!! I’ve never been to Italy, but would love to go one day! Can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:43 am

      Hi Michelle,

      I’ll try to take lots of pictures so it’ll feel like we are all there together. 🙂

      How’s your Friday going? Are you having a good one so far? I hope so!

      Reply
  18. Nina says

    September 24th, 2010 at 5:47 am

    This is a fun read, thank you! 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:42 am

      Happy Friday, Nina!

      Got any weekend plans? I hope they involve reading The Hunger Games series!

      Reply
      • Nina says

        September 24th, 2010 at 10:01 am

        Why yes they do!

        And youuuu my dear, have the awesome-stest news evar!

        Enjoy! xox

        Reply
  19. Scientific Housewife says

    September 24th, 2010 at 5:48 am

    You are so lucky! Have fun 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:40 am

      I’ll be sure to snag some good tips for us!

      How are you doing? I hope you’re having a nice day so far!

      Reply
  20. Kim says

    September 24th, 2010 at 5:55 am

    Shrieking with joy for you!!!! You’re going to have a blast! Travel safely and enjoy your time in Italy. I’ve never been to Milan, but I love Rome. This is so exciting! Just promise that you’ll come back. 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:39 am

      I promise. What would Tabs do without his crazy human to dote on him?

      How’s your Friday going so far? Got any plans for the weekend?

      Reply
      • Kim says

        September 27th, 2010 at 8:45 am

        I’m very late getting back to you but I’ve been catching up on the weekend posts and you were such a trouper with the schedule! I’ll bet Tabs was so psyched to see you. I just hope he’s not like one of our gals who shows her excitement (and anger and boredom) by puking up hairballs!

        Reply
  21. meibaola says

    September 24th, 2010 at 6:30 am

    Wow you are coming to Italy! Benvenuta!!! ^_^ If you want to appease your conscience on the matter of gelato calories, do what I do: pick fruit flavours! They don’t contain eggs and milk = way less calories ;-P Enjoy!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 6:38 am

      Hi Meibaola,

      Maybe I’ll alternate between chocolate and fruit! 🙂

      Do you know Milan very well? If you have a list of fun things to do I’d love to hear them.

      Reply
  22. Jaime says

    September 24th, 2010 at 6:47 am

    Oh my goodness – I hope you have a wonderful time! Enjoy! 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 24th, 2010 at 7:00 am

      Hi Jaime,

      Thanks! 🙂 How are you doing today? Are you having a nice Friday so far?

      Reply
      • Jaime says

        September 24th, 2010 at 11:41 am

        I am doing great – so utterly and completely grateful it’s Friday. 🙂 Looking forward to your posts from Milan!

        Reply
  23. kelly says

    September 24th, 2010 at 7:10 am

    WOW I’m SO excited for you! I can’t wait to hear all about it, have a fabulous trip!

    Hmm, wonder if Italian cat food tastes different? 😀
    kelly recently posted … NYX One Night in Morocco Smokey Palette Swatches &amp Review

    Reply
  24. Midori says

    September 24th, 2010 at 7:27 am

    Fantastico! I was in Italy for a month this summer (studying Italian… but do I remember any? No… just the amazing experience lol). Never got to see Milan though i wanted to. Please take lots of pictures!!! And enjoy a cappuccino for me 🙂

    Reply
  25. Cindy (Prime Beauty) says

    September 24th, 2010 at 7:40 am

    Wonderful! I’m so happy for you!! You’ll have a great time, don’t work too hard and enjoy it! Looking forward to your amazing pictures
    Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted … Kooba for Laura Mercier Color Palette

    Reply
  26. Tessa says

    September 24th, 2010 at 7:44 am

    When I was in Italy, I ate nutella ice cream! You gotta try it!
    And I wasn’t aware of it yet, but Kiko, which is sold in Italy seems to be a pretty good brand.

    Reply
  27. Tracy says

    September 24th, 2010 at 7:46 am

    Have a fantastico time! Don’t work too hard! You deserve a holiday filled with gelato!

    Reply
  28. Jenna says

    September 24th, 2010 at 9:48 am

    I’m so happy for you! I hope you have an amazing time! Looking forward to all the pics!

    Jenna

    Reply
  29. Deb says

    September 24th, 2010 at 9:49 am

    That’s amazing! I can’t wait to see pictures!
    Deb recently posted … Extra Strawberry Shortcake Gum

    Reply
  30. Stef says

    September 24th, 2010 at 9:53 am

    OMG Karen – that’s amazing! What a score. Hanging with Pat, Italian fashion AND gelato?! Life is good, eh?

    Reply
  31. Trude says

    September 24th, 2010 at 9:58 am

    That’s so exciting!! Congrats lady, I can’t think of a better person for the job! 🙂
    Trude recently posted … Hot Links

    Reply
  32. dani@callitbeauty says

    September 24th, 2010 at 10:06 am

    OMG, CONGRATULATIONS!

    i am soooo insanely jealous of you right now!
    dani@callitbeauty recently posted … All About Eyes – Intense Copper

    Reply
  33. Trisha says

    September 24th, 2010 at 10:30 am

    Awesome! Oh man, I’m so jealous.
    Trisha recently posted … NMW- Makeup-Less Friday

    Reply
  34. leo says

    September 24th, 2010 at 10:33 am

    Hi Karen,
    coming to Milan?! Great! Try Grom’s gelato, it’s one of the best and there are a few shops around the city. Other good gelaterie are Marghera and Baravalle (in the Navigli area).
    As for Makeup: Kiko, in piazza Cordusio, and Madina, with shops in via Meravigli and via Marghera, and all the “upper class” brands at Rinascente and Coin department stores.
    For dinner: absolutely try risotto alla milanese (with saffron) and cotoletta (breaded veal meat).

    And should you need a guide, drop me an e-mail!! 😉
    ciao e benvenuta!!
    Leo

    Reply
  35. leo says

    September 24th, 2010 at 10:39 am

    oops, mistake (I was still thinking about ice cream!!) Madina stores are in via Meravigli and via Pontaccio!!
    another GREAT gelateria is “Il Massimo del Gelato”, but I’m afraid it’s a bit out of your area (it is via Castelvetro, shoud you be around!!). they have 8 different kinds of chocolate ice-cream!! 😛

    Reply
  36. Mary says

    September 24th, 2010 at 10:58 am

    Pat McGrath?? Pat McGrath?

    I die!

    Reply
  37. Rae says

    September 24th, 2010 at 11:19 am

    Oh my gosh, how exciting!! Have fun; we can’t wait to see the photos and get all the juicy details from our fave blogger 😉
    Rae recently posted … Fresh Firebird mascara wont make your lashes rise like a phoenix

    Reply
  38. veronica says

    September 24th, 2010 at 11:49 am

    Lucky!!!! i went to Italy, 2 summers ago and yes the gelato is definitely worth the vacation weight gain, you are going to want to try them all. the hazelnut tastes like cold nutella 😉

    Reply
  39. Vesna says

    September 24th, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    Ciao bellezza! (or in English – hi beautiful 🙂 )

    This means we’ll be really close! I don’t think we’ll ever be this close again 😀 I live right next to Italy, in Croatia. I really hope you’ll enjoy your time there. 🙂

    And looking forward to lots of photos! 🙂

    Reply
  40. Alex (Shineypink) says

    September 24th, 2010 at 12:21 pm

    OMG! Have fun! Be safe! You deserve this! If you happen to run into Karl Lagerfeld before he heads to France pass along my email haha 🙂

    Reply
  41. luv2smilexo says

    September 24th, 2010 at 12:32 pm

    the other day i had nutella flavored gelato. you must try it! amazing! Buona vacanza!
    luv2smilexo recently posted … My Favorite Makeup Magazine- Makeup4All

    Reply
  42. knownever says

    September 24th, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    So exciting. Milan is awesome…just watch out for the trams!
    knownever recently posted … Post-Human Paradox- Aimee Mullins says stuff

    Reply
  43. May says

    September 24th, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    Fabulous news! You’ve really made it to the top with your site!! Wow, Italian Fashion Week, I wonder where you’ll be with this in another 5 years!!

    Really looking forward to your posts. Are you going alone or is your husband coming with you?

    Longtime reader but infrequent commentor,

    May

    Reply
  44. Debbie says

    September 24th, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    What a dream, Italy AND makeup?! I hope you have a good trip, Can’t wait to see the coverage!

    Reply
  45. mkdallas says

    September 24th, 2010 at 5:53 pm

    How much FUN!!!! OMG, what a lucky girl you are! Have a fabulous time, take lots of pics and try not to drink too much wine! That really will be the most exciting trip; please give the rest of us living vicariously through you this week as many details as you can, ‘k?

    Reply
  46. Daya says

    September 24th, 2010 at 6:09 pm

    Italy is a dream trip for me one day! Have a WONDERFUL time..will be looking forward to your posts 🙂

    Reply
  47. Anastasia says

    September 24th, 2010 at 6:18 pm

    Love Milano… have a great time!! I’m going to relive my visit there vicariously though you 🙂

    Reply
  48. DiBonD says

    September 24th, 2010 at 6:38 pm

    Have a fabulous journey, Karen! It’s my favorite town in Europe! Hope I can see it one day.

    Reply
  49. Tatiana says

    September 24th, 2010 at 7:04 pm

    OMG Karen! Have a SUPER fun trip! Be sure to bring us back some Nutella 😉 Imagine how cheap it must be over there :O! I’d ask you for gelato too, but since it would melt, I’ll ask for lots of backstage makeup pics and a video interview with Pat from the D&G show! 😀

    Reply
  50. Christina says

    September 24th, 2010 at 9:46 pm

    That’s amazing news! Hope you’ve landed okay and are already enjoying all that Milan has to offer! And remember, calories are nonexistent when you’re not in the US!
    Can’t wait to hear all the new looks and hot hot hot tips from Pat!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  51. Megan says

    September 25th, 2010 at 8:08 pm

    That’s so great! How lucky are you! Have fun – I wish I had that opportunity! 🙂

    Reply

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About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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