Bag Lady: Christina Carathanassis
I have handbag issues (but they are ALL good!)
By Anne Marie Scanlon
Men often bemoan the fact that they just don't understand women. We're from Venus, they're from Mars and they'll never figure out what makes us tick. Rubbish. Want to know a woman? Take a look inside her handbag.
OK so it's not that easy to rummage around in a lady's bag, so here at the Irish Examiner we regularly do it for you. This week's Bag Lady is Christina Carthanassis the owner of Christabelle's Closet (www.ChristabellesCloset.com) an online designer resale boutique where you can bag a Louis Vuitton (dreadful pun intended) for up to 80% of the retail cost. Yes, you heard me correctly. And not only do you get a discount but you don't have to deal face-to-face with those uber-snooty shop assistants who think they own the company. On the other hand if you are simply finished with last season Prada and Gucci then you can convert it into cash dollars by selling it through Christabelle's Closet.
Christabelle's Closet caters for women, men and children with clothing, shoes and accessories. Christina also supports The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research via the Clearance Closet section of her site which donates half the proceeds from each sale to the charity.
Christabelle's Closet has been around since 2004 and has a big following with fashionistas who like the finer things in life but can't always afford them. It also has a big following with fashionistas who like the finer things in life and CAN afford them.
So what does CC, a former beauty PR keep in her bag?
Fendi Makeup bag, pack of gum, Louis Vuitton Wallet (brimming with taxi cab receipts), metro card, a mini sewing kit, a Coach business card holder, my boyfriend's car keys (I borrowed his car today), house keys with a NY Sportsclub membership tag hanging from it (because I like to pretend I go to the gym), hair ties in every color, a bottle of Smart Water and a few pens.
How many handbags do you own?
I have about 50 in my NYC apartment...I have handbag issues (but they are ALL good!). I have the remainder scattered at my parent's house in Jersey and their home out in Montauk.
Do you have a favorite handbag?
My Gucci Pouchette - I rarely use it now, but it was the first high-end designer bag that I purchased with my own money. It made me feel like I had accomplished something really monumental. I was working about 60 + hours a week low on the totem pole in Public Relations...it was a fashion rite of passage.
Do you have a favorite handbag designer?
Louis Vuitton...the designs are flawless, classic and can carry from a gorgeous Milly shift dress and Tory Buch flats to a Juicy Couture track suit with exceptional ease. I love the versatility, the history behind the brand and the immaculate design elements.
What is in your makeup bag right now?
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Lip Gloss in Rumor (SICK PINK!), Boots No.7 Lip Gloss in Flirt, Christian Dior Diorshow mascara, Boots Mediterranean lip balm , Pout highlighter in Sherbert Shimmer, Lancôme Hypnose mascara, Beauty Rush lip glosses (in a variety of pinks), Visine for Contacts
Do I really have to pick?!?!? It is like picking one child over the other...
What would your fantasy make up bag contain?
Chanel Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Safari
Nars Blush in Orgasm
Very Sexy Lip Gloss in Rumor and Wet
M.A.C. Eye Kohl in Smolder
Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Sheer Transparent Lipstick in 11
YSL Touch Eclat
Tarte Cheek Stain
Chanel Soft Touch Eye Shadow in Silvery
Chanel Le Crayon Yeux in black
YSL Gloss in Crystal Pink
Nars Liquid Liner
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact Bronze
Chanel Glossimer Glosses (all shades!)
Trish McEvoy Cream Powder Foundation
Shu Uemura Glow On Blush
Lancome Le Lipstique in Ideal and Bronzelle
How much money do you spend on makeup?
I worked in Beauty PR for a number of years, so I have been fortunate to have had my fair share of industry "freebies" to experiment with. Recent days, I would say I purchase makeup about once a month...I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest. I am a big fan of texture and color payoff - especially for my skin tone. I am fair and it makes it challenging to find the appropriate shades to compliment my light, but olive toned skin. Depending on my mood...I can drop anywhere between $20 - $200. I am a bit of a beauty ambassador for my friends - they look to me for all beauty advice and recommendations. Like a walking, talking Allure magazine!
Do you cleanse tone and moisturize?
My dermatologist would disapprove of my routine (Sorry Dr. Mark!). Let's just say I make every effort to remove my makeup at night, but after a long day of work and evening events, more times than not, I fall asleep with it still on. My friend's joke I am the only person whose makeup stays perfectly intact while I sleep...I wake up ready for action!
Which cleanser, moisturizer and toner do you use?
I really love the Olay Regenerist line for cleansing and toning, but I cannot LIVE without my Dr. Kenneth Mark's Anti-Oxidant Hydrating Cream with astaxanthin for my face. A total must have...I also think it is just as important to moisturize your lips...I keep my lips smooth with Ceci Cela lip balm in Almond every morning and every night. It is essential to always have smoochably soft lips!
What is your all-time favorite brand and why?
Chanel...everything they touch turns to gold. They have a keen sense of what makes a woman feel classy, beautiful and sexy. I am proud to take out my "CC" logo compact from my purse (not to mention it is also my initials!). They cover the gamut...designer handbags, clothing, shoes, accessories, fragrance, makeup EVERYTHING. And it is all done to perfection. I have a lot of respect for brands that stay true to their roots...I would imagine Coco is smiling wide from beyond...
What cosmetic/cleansing item could you not live without?
My mascara, face cream with SPF and lip balm.
What was the first piece of makeup you ever purchased and what was the occasion?
Revlon Lipstick in Silver City Pink...I was in the 8th grade and EVERYONE was wearing it. It was sold out in all of the stores. I finally found it in time for my Middle School graduation - wore it with pride, smiling proudly as I accepted my diploma (now looking back it made my teeth look yellow and a bit like I was frothing at the mouth!). That night, as I celebrated at my friend's party only find that my friend Marc decided to do street art with MY LIPSTICK! Needless to say - I was devastated. I moved onto Frosted Brownie Lip Stick (also Revlon) from there.
Would you have cosmetic surgery?
Absolutely! I think if the opportunities are out there to improve your outer self and give a different level of confidence or well being - than I am all for it. Though I have been blessed with very good genes (neither of my parents have a wrinkle on their faces!), I would not be opposed to some "touch-ups" down the road. It is a very personal choice and certainly not for everyone.
Do you prefer handbags or shoes?
Do I really have to pick?!?!? It is like picking one child over the other...
Thank you Christina Carathanassis.
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