My Latest Obsession!

Marc Jacobs designed these adorable little mouse-shaped flats.  How cute?  These are most positively my favorite shoes ever!  They come in a huge variety of colors and textures including animal print, metallics, patient leather, and much much more.  They are expensive but I feel they are definitely worth it!

Knight and Day

Cameron Diaz has been spotted strutting down red carpets in the cutest little outfits.  The occasion?  Her new movie Knight and Day.  Designer?  Anyone and Everyone hot!  Take a peek......

For the London premiere she wore a Stella McCartney silver sparkly dress and simple black open-toe heels.  Effortless, but by all means chic. 

For the premier in Munich, Diaz opted for a beautiful Bottega Veneta white dress with nude pumps.  This outfit demonstrates her laid back Californian style.

In Seville Spain, Diaz sported an asymmetrical back Lavin dress.  Her matching shoes, also Lavin, are stunning with chain and buckle detailing. 

In France Diaz chose a loose Vionnet mini-dress and Casadei heels.  Her hair and makeup, like all the above premiers remains very natural and undone.  She looks amazing in each event and now I can't wait to see the film!

Fall Trend Alert

This Fall we can celebrate simplicity.  Past trends have incorporated neon colors with outrageous shapes and styles.  As much fun as those trends are, I think we've all been secretly wishing they would end and more wearable clothes would be available.  So the forecast is unpretentious, classic, and beautiful trends.  Minimal, but magnificent.....

1. Romantic Lace
    Naturally I begin with my favorite trend for Fall.  Lace is all about a feminine chicness with an injection of seductiveness.  Lace can come in a huge variety of shapes and styles, but make sure to pick up a flowery and girly party dress that incorporates this trend.  (The dress bellow is designed by Francesco Scognamiglio as part of his Fall collection.)

2. Shaped Coat

   Lately shoulder-padded jackets and dresses have become very popular, especially after Kim Cattral sported one in SATC2.  This season, in addition to the shoulder-padded jackets, boxy jackets are making an appearance.  (Louis Vuitton designed the coat bellow.)

3. Stylish Sweats
   I'm not suggesting you should wear terry sweats out, but stylish sweats have become very in.  They can be dressed up with embellished such as ruffles, beads, or pretty patterns.  (The pants bellow were created by TopShop.)

4. Cozy Cardigan
A simple cardigan has always been a staple item, so it's a very easy trend.  Slouchy cable-knit cardigans and low-crouch joggers are perfect for rainy days inside.  If you live in a super sunny climate just look for sweater-dresses for a casual, layed-back chicness.  For dressy-er occasions wear an over-sized sweater cinched with a basic skinny belt.   (The designer for the bellow look bellow is Prada.)

5.  Bold Lines for makeup
    On the runways the makeup is very consistent throughout the different shows.  Fall makeup is all about defined, angular eyebrows, eyeshadow, and cheek bones.  Try either creating strong cheek bones using bronzer or filling in brows or even use a bright shadow to do a winged eye look.  (Bellow January Jones and Gisele Bundchen are both sporting this makeup trend.)

6. Café Latte Colors
   Editors and stylists are talking about a new restraint that includes color.  Nudes were very popular on the Fall runway in a wide variety of tones.  So instead of neon greens and pink, opt for simplistic browns and tans. (Almost the entire Chole collection was in browns this Fall.)

7.  Laced booties
   In theme of Fall and a cooler climate, booties are appearing in collections, in particular booties with laces.  Most booties are either rock and roll inspired or grungy.  They look very stylish  with a feminine dress layered with a sweet winter coat. (The bootie bellow is from Asos.)

8.  Leather skirts
   Leather is no longer limited to jackets.  Leather is an extremely urbanite material and looks ultra fashionable with a loose blouse and layered trench coat.  (Immediatly bellow is a skirt by Celine.) 

9.  Skinny Belt Tied
   After multiple seasons that included huge belts its about time the skinny belt was re-invented.  Designers are no longer just buckling belts, they are now tying them too in messy knots or cute little bows, which can easily be achieved with a little DIY.  A skinny belt can give an air of sophistication to an otherwise casual outfit too.  (Marc Jacobs outfit bellow on the Fall runway 2010.)

10.  Velvet
Velvet is inevitably the most desired material this fall.  It supports the feminine, simplistic style for the season.  Dresses, shoes, or bags, make sure you have this luxurious fabric embodied into your wardrobe soon. (Bellow is a Burberry velvet skirt.)

Top Shop Does Makeup

The famous clothing brand has officially broadened their merchandise with a new collection of makeup.  The collection encompasses of lipstick, glosses, eyeshadows, eye crayons, liners, maracas, blushers, and bronzers.  If it's fashionable, you can bet Top Shop have it.  The designer Lizzie Dawson said she created the line based on "what pieces would go into our ideal make-up bag."  The Top Shop Girl is bold, fearless, and ultimately wild.  English gals like Kate Moss, Siena Miller, and Pixie Lott all fit this profile.  Co-creator Hannah Murray said, "English girls like being offbeat and imperfect." The makeup certainly reflects that, with bold colors and also everything is very textured.

After picking up a few pieces from the collection I can only report good things.  I especially love the crayons; they feel like liquid on my lids and are so pigmented!  The khols are also very pigmented and extremely glittery.  I was astonished about the variety of wild colors available.  The packaging, in shocking contrast, is all black and white, but nevertheless adorable.  All in all, makeup from Top Shop is top notch!

Everlasting Style

 In an ever changing world it's unusual to find a lasting trend, especially in the the fashion world where styles come and go faster than trains out of Grand Central.  But there are some things that are timeless like Shakespeare's works.  The principles of his stories were mostly forbidden love and wrongful discrimination, things that can be translated and adapted by any society in any time period.  Like Shakespeare, some clothing items can be worn under any circumstance and look fabulous.  Here's the top 10 timeless fashions that will be equally as stylish tomorrow as they are today......

1. The LBD
Need I say more?


 2. Diamonds
   Jewry is something every girl fantasizes about, in particular diamonds.  Their message is clear; I am rare, expensive, and I sparkle.  They can represent so many things, but all in all they represent women. 


3. Heels
   Marilyn Monroe once upon a time said "I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot!"  She couldn't be more right.  The heel helps with posture and creates the classic hour-glass shape Monroe was famos for.  


4. Dark sunglasses
   Behind the sunglasses lies a mystery.  It's a seduction tool and forever stylish. 


5. Jeans
   Denim is super practical and also stylish.  Use jeans to achieve a chic careless look.  


6. White shirt
   A white shirt = beautiful simplicity.  Never underestimate the power of a dressed up white t-shirt.


7. A lil' bit of Sparkle
   Some gals are just born with glitter veins, but all girls should incorporate it into their wardrobe.   Sparkles will always draw attention and is also the best way to dress an outfit up and make it appropriate for evening. 


8. Rep Lips
   Under the right circumstances can prove to be very alluring.  They add sophistication and are the ideal accessory for evening wear. 


9. Simplicity
   Less is often more.  Coco Chanel said something like once you have found your ideal outfit, always take one thing off.  If Coco says it, you know it's right, 


10. Smile
   A smile goes a long way because it means you are a welcoming friendly person.  If you're more friendly and approachable you'll always have more friends.  Additionally a smile can give a certain radiant elegance.  It might even be the best accessory available.

Nicole by OPI Gossip Girl Collection

Sex, scandal, and style is all the rage in Gossip Girl, so it's no surprise they have now inspired their own nail polish collection.  At the end of August, Nicole by OPI will be releasing four gorgeous colors, all induced with a Gossip Girl chicness.  OPI have created limited addition hollywood-inspired collections before, including the popular 90210 series, and movies Shrek and Alice in Wonderland.  It was therefore only a matter of time before they designed new colors based on the very popular show, Gossip Girl.  The colors themselves are very beachy; three blues and one white color.  Perhaps the colors were based on the summer Blair and Serena are spending in France?  (Bllow from left to right.)  Too Rich For You is a stunning dark, sparkly blue-teal polish.  This would be ideal for summery dinners.  Scandal, Secrets, and Sparkle is a pretty sheer white color.  Like the name suggests, it is full of silver and white sparkles.  Party in the Penthouse is a shimmery sea-blue.  Nicole.....Spotted is a beautiful sparkly greeny-turquoise.  The color is fabulous and the best way to describe it is a mermaid color.  If you haven't guessed already this will definitely be my favorite color.  Althoughthe colors aren't my favorite, I'm sure any of the colors will have some friends green with envy.  And isn't that the ultimate Gossip Girl principle?

California Gurls

It's easy to recognize what will be the hot summer song.  It's that one tune that you'll listen to all summer and will forever associate with a particular vacation.  Whenever I hear Let's Get it Started I think of the summer I spent in my most tiny bikini in Tampa.  This year it's undoubtedly California Gurls by Katy Perry.  Love Katy Perry, love the song, love the music video, and love, love, love the makeup.  

The costumes, hair, and makeup were equally as insane, with a desirable sweetness.  They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so perhaps these candy inspired looks are the best way to pick up a beach hottie this summer.  Although I can't imagine myself strutting onto the beach with giant cupcakes on by bikini top, I would certainly consider some brightly colored extensions or candy colored lips and eyes.   Teen Vogue featured a shoot with colored extensions and Katy's sweet hair looks delicious.  Throughout the entire video Katy boats a fuchsia, bold lip.  I don't need to tell you that the bold lip is hot right now, and there's nothing that screams fun and summer more than a bright pink lip.  Bright pink cheeks were worn to match, and it looks so good with a lil' tan.  Her rosy glow was mainly concentrated on her cheek bones, as opposed to the customary apples of the cheek.

Best worn in Candy Land, like Katy, and not at the beach, thick liner, lashes, and glittery shadow were used generously.  The eyes matched the hair and outfit, contributing a little sanity to her wardrobe.  Katy is known for her favorable cat-eye liner, which was used throughout.  Huge false lashes were applied also, making her eyes super girly and daring.  In addition, the lids and crease were coated in gorgeous pink, green, and gold shadow.  And lastly, Katy's look would not be complete without her signature flawless skin,  Tanner than usual, her skin is gorgeous and fresh; the perfect canvas for this wild look. 

Inspiration can be easily found from Katy's fun, girly, sweet look.  Make sure you incorporate her style into your summer make up routine.  The finishing touch?  A sugary ice cream, a gorgeous beach, and most importantly a beach boyfriend. 

Go-go-girl

Scenario:  the guy you've been crushing on has just acknowedged your existance (insert excited scream) by asking you out.  The only problem is you have 15 minutes to get ready.  You are slightly behind on your laundry and have nothing to wear.  In addition, your hair is not cooperating and tears of happiness have ruined your makeup.  What do you do?!


Any girl with any sense would never be in this situation, not becasue she is extremely on-task with laundry, but becasue she has her emergency 'go-to' outfit.  A 'go to' outfit is the most practical and perfect outfit that is only worn in a crisis.  It's often best to have several, varying depending on how formal the date is.  For example I have a dinner date, club, and bowling outfit.  The bowling outfit is different from the others becasue I wear socks (cue rented bowling shoes) and pants.  Whereas a dinner date is a cutesy dress and a club outfit is a little more sparkly and fun.  These clothes must be super flattering, in style, and most importantly must be ready at the drop of a hat.

Also readily available must be makeup.  This would not be the time to try on the new lipstick that you bought.  Keep to what you know, moreover what you know is hot.  I'd keep it pretty natural, but show off your best feature, or note what the guy likes best about you.  A little side note; Dust a small amount of highlighter down the middle of your chest (for obvious reasons).  Act on the basis that you are having a bad hair day the day of your date, and opt for a up-do that will keep your hair under control.  It should be simple and only take a small amount of time to complete.  The finishing touch should be your favorite perfume.  Remember to be yourself and good luck! 

Trend Alert: Crochet

Crochet, in my opinion, is a very unlikely candidate for summer's must-haves, but nevertheless it is.  Perhaps it's like sushi; it seems wrong at first, but then some trendy celebrity starts swearing by it and you consequently become hooked.  Only we're not talking about dead fish, au contraire, this summers hot new trend.  Crochet is a natural southern belle look, but can be adapted to a variety of different looks and still look just as stunning and natural.  Bellow is a guide to help you alter this trend, and voilà.  Bohemian, sweet, or rocker, crochet is a wardrobe necessity.  So get 'em while their hot. 

This look is for an individual with a very girly sense of style.  Slightly southern inspired, it's perfect for warm summer night at barbecues or dinner dates. 

Proving to all you rockers out there you can look rockin' in crochet.  These looks would be ideal for a concert or out 'n' about in the city.

For me boho is all about the accessories, all of which are crochet above.  This look is fresh and clean, perfect for nights on the town, or breakfast at Tiffany. 

Roughing it!

It seems that imperfect will be perfect next season as the 'Rough Edge' rolls in next season.  Tattered, un-tailored, and creases are main features in Fall/Winter '10.  Calvin Klein, Prada, YSL, and Jil Sander have all sported this trend and it can look super amazing.  This trend doesn't mean you have to look casual, as dress jackets can still look smart and stylish with these imperfections.  It's like the messy bun of fashion.  To accurately portray this look, wear anything cut-out, torn, un-hemmed, or raw.  Soon you'll have the guys torn to you......

Warning: mini dresses, heels, and grass don't got together!

Last weekend, I broke my pocket book once again.  Need I explain?  Shoe shopping!  I found one pair of heels that cost me a weekend getaway, but I had to have them because they were gorgeous and the sales guy was soooo cute (and not gay might I add).  They were six inch, open-toe, nude, snakeskin, and completely fabulous.  I had to exhibit the latest edition to my unnecessary collection at the next possible event; so I wore them to my younger cousin's high school graduation.  I knew there would be little walking, grass, or dancing involved, so I wore my little green dress too.  I looked hot, even though I say so myself.  So they day was upon us and to make the ten meter journey from my door to the car required me to be very crafty.  I had to avoid dirt, grass, holes, and getting in the car without  flashing anyone.  It was a beautiful day with sun and temperatures of 90 degrees; which is probably why the school made the last minute decision to hold the ceremony on the green.  Crap.  I would be outside in the heat with my new heels sinking into the grass every time I took a step.  To make matters worse, my five hour walk across the lawn to my seat (which I spent badly attempting not to get stuck) had meant I was one of the last to arrive and there were no more seats.  I looked around for a cute guy that would give me his seat, but the crowd was overwhelmed with weeping grandmothers and small children.  I had two choices; stand and risk the possibility of my shoes being engulfed by the lawn, or sit on the ground and pray the grass didn't make any stains.  I sat for the sake of my babies.  The heat got unbearable and my legs had pins and needles.  Just when I thought my life couldn't be any worse, my day-dream was interrupted by the sound of my name being called.  I tried to locate the voice, but only when they repeated it again, I knew where it was coming from.  The principle at the podium (who's name I have already forgotten) was calling my name and gesturing that I come and join him.  I could suddenly feel four hundred eyes staring at me.  If I though getting into the car was hard, this was another thing entirely.  My mini-dress and heels had made it impossible for me to get off the floor with any grace what-so-ever.  Once my rise was complete, I had to walk down the grass aisle to reach the podium.  I tried to walk on the balls of my feet, but honestly it didn't work, and I could feel everyone was silently pissing themselves with laughter.  As I walked up the skinny steps of the podium, I came face to face with my newly discovered nemesis.  It turns out my cousin had conveniently forgot to tell me that he had volunteered that I do a speech about college in front of all the guests.  Luckily I was an expert on the subject, and managed to make the five minutes go by relatively painlessly.  But then again, anything wold have been less cringe-worthy than my decent down the aisle.

A Look into the Life of....

Anna Wintour.  Why start anywhere but the top?  Since 1988, Anna has been editor in chief of American Vogue.  Before, she worked at multiple magazines after dropping out of school at aged 16.  She holds what is recognized as the most powerful position in the fashion industry, selling at least 400,000 copies of Vogue per issue.  In addition to being extremely successful in the editorial world, Ana is a style icon in her own right.  She can be identified by her pageboy bob, large sunglasses, and front row ticket to the hottest fashion shows. 


Anna was born November 1949.  It's hard to imagine a more fabulous time to be brought up in than fashionistas, 60's Britain'; time of mini skirts, boots, and hot sunglasses.  During this time a huge change in fashion occurred, and I'm sure Anna fell in love with not only the fashion, but the power and influence it had on young women.  The majority of her family was in publishing, including her father who was an editor of  the evening standard. So from a young Anna was exposed to the writing industry.  After leaving school at 16, she dated frivolously with older men while attending a fashion school in London.  Soon after, she began her semester there, she withdrew from the school, stating, "You either know fashion, or you don't."  She also worked for Harrods, the legendary department store in London.  Following, she worked for magazines Harper's and Queen, Harper's Bazzaar, Viva, Savvy, English Vogue, and finally New York Vogue. 

Under Anna's rein at Vogue, she altered the magazine radically.  Firstly, she took photo-shoots on location, rather than a studio, so covers were taken in the natural light.  She also incorporated low-end designers as well as high-end fashion, allowing real women to feel they could relate to the magazine.  This not only opened the magazine to a new audience, it also produced a base, in which women of that time were taught to love fashion.  Perhaps without that base fashion might not be so popular today.  Also Anna promoted Grace Coddington to Creative Director.  Grace is considered one of the best stylists in history.  Furthermore, Anna is constantly establishing relationships with new designers, and trying to promote their designs.  She has discovered many young designers and models, such as Thakoon.  Lastly, she created more acknowledgment for photographers, stylists, and makeup artists.  


With the high publicity, has come lots of criticism.  Anna's harsh personality was revealed with the publication of The Devil Wears Prada, a novel by Lauren Weisberger.  In it, the author exposed her horrible experience of being Anna's assistant.  Anna was apparently cruel, excessively bitter, and emotionally distant.  The New York Times has described her as the 'Nuclear Wintour' multiple occasions.  Also there has been a lot of controversy around her passion for fur.  Fur has been featured in Vogue many times, something that was unheard of in the past late century. 


In addition to beginning countless trends, Anna has a signature style too.  She is rarely caught without her big, black, sunglasses, worn to most events, including indoor fashion shows.  Her page-boy blond bob is also well-known and also unique.  Anna rarely wears pants, but instead wears different styled dresses, which are always well accessorized with expensive, étourdissement shoes, jewelry, or coats.  Surprisingly, Ana is rarely photographed with a bag.  Even when editors and fashionistas at fashion shows are pulling out pencils, paper, and laptops, Anna sits with her legs crossed, and never writes anything.


It's been well established that Anna is the créme de la créme of fashion and publishing.  For me, she is empowering and inspiring.  I can only dream I will one day be as successful as her.   

Funk...

This week Glee did a Funk episode.  It was obviously fabulous because it's Glee, but this week was extra groovy.  Funk is American music that combines R&B, Soul, and Jazz into one sensational  genre.  It's all about power and psyche, something Glee can pull off anytime.  Their costumes were also amazing; a kind of Beyoncé, military theme that included cargo pants, military jackets, military hats, army pants, leather, and long socks.  It was also very sporty with baseball hats, mini-shorts, and neon tanks.  It seems Glee is on top of the latest trends this summer, but have also altered it to make it Glee.  Very hot!  So take your inspiration from Glee this season, and you know you will be stylish!

Rachel breaks out of her usual preppy sophistication into short-shorts and military style in the number Give Up The Funk.  

This look is completely Brittany.  Wild, fun, totally unconventional, and now with a little funk.

Mercedes always dresses with a little more glam, so it's no wonder she more a be-dazzled jacket with her sweats and sneakers, with a matching military cap.

Quinn had a major part in this week's episode, and so I saved best till last.  Cargo pants are hot right now, and paired with a military jacket is steaming hot.  I can't believe she gas a baby bump and can still rock red.  She looks amazing!

Vibrating Mascaras

Mascara is my ultimate indulgence for many reasons.  The first being that my lashes are one of my best physical features, because they are naturally long, thick, and curled.  Another reason is that lashes are the ultimate feminine attribute.  Long lashes are flirty and open your eyes for all to see your soul.  And mascara can only improve this.  The latest trend it seems to be is vibrating mascara.  These mascaras can be terrifying, as they substitute as a weapon.  Elle Fowler (all that glitters 21) beauty guru on utube, described Givenchy Phenomen mascara as a 'tourture ball'.  I'm certain she would agree that this is much worse.  On the positive side, vibrating mascaras produce long, think, and most importantly, separated lashes.  Makeup artists recommend that you wiggle a mascara wand when you are applying, however a vibrating mascara does this for you.  It's made a huge hit and I love them.  My first was Ôscillation by Lacome ($34) and next was the Maybeline Pulse Perfection ($15).  Originally adopted by designer brands, the vibrating mascara is now a part of the Maybeline family. Honestly, you pay for what you get.  Ôscillation is a lot better.  I feel Maybeline's formula clumps easier and is also harder to remove.  Also the packaging isn't as durable or fancy.  Lacome creates longer, separated lashes.  Additionally the bush is more flexible, allowing the brush to access all areas of your eye.  One strange observation I have made is that it also makes my lashes shiny - it's odd but attractive.  Result: even though I can buy two Maybelines and OPI I'de still splurge on an Ôscillation mascara!

Beach Beauty Essentials....

The beach reveals all, and not just bodies.  It's hard to wear makeup to the beach and it's hard to style your hair for the beach.  Water, sand, wind, and sun will inevitability ruin you look, so there are some essential rules you need to follow to ensure you are looking fabulous for all those smokin' surfers.

Firstly, there is the golden rule of not getting too golden.  Sunscreen is a big deal because it not only prevents you from becoming as red as a lobster, but protects you from further health issues.  Sunblock should be applies generously and frequently without fail, especially if you are swimming.  If have applied you makeup already, and don't want to ruin it by applying sunblock, try patting on the sunblock with a cosmetic sponge; don't swipe, just press.

Generally, it's super hot in the summer, so foundations can easily melt off your face.  A face primer can prevent this, and also reduce shine.  I would also recommend using a powder instead of a liquid foundation.  A powder will matt-ify your face and will not melt too.  If you don't like powder, use a tinted moisturizer as it is light, and less dense.  Lastly, bronzer is always hot for the summer because it adds a healthy glow, without damaging your skin.  Try to avoid a shimmery bronzer, as it will attract those pores that will be inevitable in the heat.

Makeup at the beach should be très simple; anything that goes on, will come off by water, wind, or sun.  Water-proof mascara is a must, because even if you are not planning on swimming, you can guarantee the sea-air will cause your mascara to run.  J'adore coral cream blushes for the summer.  They are so much fun and super young.  It's hard to believe, but lips do burn, and it is so much more painful than a skin-burn.  Chap stick with SPF with hamper any harmful sun rays.  Mac tinted lip conditioners are a stylish alternative.  

Sea-air and heat can be vicious to hair, or it can be a gift from God.  If your hair turns out-of-control, frizzy as opposed to 'beach waves' braids this summer will be your BFF.  Braids will prevent your hair from getting tangled, keep it out of your face, plus they are adorable.  If braids aren't your thing (crazy person) then buns serve a similar purpose.

You can loose your tan (panic) if you don't exfoliate before hand.  The reason this happens is because the dead layer of skin will tan and when you shave you take off that dead layer of skin, leaving you with pale, pale skin.  C'est la vie.  So ensure that you remove all dead skin before hand or waxing doesn't take off as much dead skin.  Sand is a type of exfoliate that remove nail polish if you are playing in it.  So bring the bottle of nail polish for fingers and toes to touch up in the evenings.  Ending on a slightly awkward note, deodorant is imperative for summer days or nights.  What's worse than a person with sweat-pits?  Sitting next to someone with sweat pits.  Light, flirty scents can also improve your smell and be extremely seductive and alluring, but deodorant is much more effective.

With these pointers in mind, you can look incredible and, most importantly, have FUN this summer!

SATC2 Review

Friday night, my friends and I got dolled up and went to see SATC2 in the city.  It's funny to see what kind of audience the movie attracts; women in their teen years to women in their sixties.  But no matter their age, everyone was dressed immaculately.  I've never seen such a stylish movie theater, although the last movie I watched was the Hangover, and you can only imagine what crowd that pulls.  The SATC outfits were completely amazing.  Carrie wore a stunning white dress in the first scene, with gold glasses, and the most bi-dazzled gold shoes ever!  Their lingerie is outstanding also, with silk dressing downs, cashmere dresses, and pears.  Some pieces of clothing were a little over-the-top, but it's a Hollywood Movie.  I loved the 80s flashback (one of my favorite parts), but the best scene by far is when Charlotte gets drunk with Miranda!  The only thing I didn't enjoy was the fact that the majority of the movie was in Abu-Dhabi.  It's called Sex and the City not Sex and Abu Dhabi.  I missed New York, but at least Miranda had the 'Sex' covered!