December 2008

Heidi Klum’s Jewelry at the Emmys

Though the Emmy Awards were held way back in September, the singularity of Heidi Klum’s jewelry deserves an article. Heidi Klum, one of the co-hosts and  looked amazing at the Emmy Awards – all nine times. That’s right, the co-host wore nine different outfits during the single night. And all nine outfits were accompanied by different pieces of jewelry. Pictured on the left, Heidi dons these stunning butterfly earrings, blackened platinum, lavender jade and diamonds with a matching opal ring. She paired these unique pieces with a layered metallic Armani Privé dress and an opal ring. Other outfits were worn with a variety of jewelry, made of diamonds emeralds, turquoises, rubies, and jade. Heidi's butterfly earrings will be seen as one of the best pieces of jewelry of 2008.

Brad Pitt Attempts to Bring Back the 'Stache

Say it isn’t so. Someone, say it isn’t so. But the depressing news is true. Brad Pitt is attempting to bring moustaches back in style. He’s been growing this moustache for the 2009 movie, "Inglourious Basterds," an action-drama that takes place in France during World War II. “I don’t think ‘staches are respected enough,” the 44-year old actor laments to Extra on a Monday screening of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” . . . . . . It’s not an issue of respect, it’s an matter of looking good. And very few people look better with a moustache than without. And I’m sorry, Mr. Pitt, I believe you looked significantly better sans moustache. Just compare the before and after pics. And this is one with a little scruff. I’m not asking for the clean-shaven look. Just ditch the “’stache.”

Michelle Obama, First Lady and Fashion Guru

Michelle Obama is not only our nation’s First Lady, she is our First Fashionista. Michelle’s sense of style and good taste have been the inspiration for publications and products. In 2009, the former Mademoiselle editor, Mandi Norwood, will be coming out with a new book, titled “Michelle Obama Style Guide.” According to the Avon Vice President, “Not since Jackie O. have we had a First Lady become a fashion icon. Michelle Obama will be one of history’s most vibrant first ladies; she has a distinctive style that every American woman can aspire to, whether the consumer is a target shopper or someone more likely to be found on Miracle Mile.” The book will come out in Spring 2009. In addition to this laudatory guide to style, The Obama Boot, by Coclico, was designed by French designer, Sandra, after her favorite candidate.

Mothers in Style

During these times, being a mother is almost a fashion statement. From Angelina Jolie to Ashlee Simpson, motherhood is in, and Hollywood’s pregnant moms have never been hotter. Pictured to the left is Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, donning a summery, flowing, coral Gerard Darel dress. The wife of bassist Pete Wentz looks happy, comfortable, and in my opinion, her best ever. . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicole Richie also has never looked better since giving birth to her daughter, Harlow. She looks healthy, happy, and very stylish.

Renting Designer Accessories

I’m no handbag queen, as I own only one “purse,” as I prefer to call them (call me old school), in basic black to go with everything. However, a while back I started spotting different fabulous handbags being sported by Nancy, a former coworker. After seeing her sashay past my desk with a different gorgeous bag every week, I started asking her about them. She was only too glad to school me in the ways of designer handbags, and pretty soon I started to develop an appreciation for them too. After a while I could instantly spot a Fendi (such as this gorgeous red number) and could tell a Coach bag from a Louis Vuitton.

Best Beauty Buys of 2008

Celebrities have weighed in on their favorite beauty products, and here are the top five products they simply cannot live without. Selma Blair uses Joe Blasco Ultrabase Foundation in Natural Tan. She uses this product for contouring and defining cheekbones, quite successfully, I might add. . . . . . . Anna Friel’s trick with the smoky eyes is with her Smashbox Cosmetics Try Me Kit brow tech and cream eyeliner palate. She gushes, “It's got every single color you need to do a smoky eye. And the cream shadow is so easy.” And who wouldn’t want Anna Friel’s smoky eyes? That girl always knows how to look amazing. . . . . Becki Newton’s trick to looking amazing is her lip gloss.

Check out these Uber-stylish Suede Shoes

If you’re a cutting-edge fashionista, these shoes are a must. . . . . . . . . . These Suede Cleopatra beauties by Alexandra Neel will transform any outfit into a stylistic wonder. They’re available for just $795, which you can order by emailing studio@alexandraneel.com. Although you may not be accustomed to wearing platforms, an exception must be made for this pair of exotic suede shoes. . . . . . . . They’re available at Topshop.com for just $115. Don’t let your wardrobe go without these life-changing stylistic shoes! Who wouldn’t want to wear these shoes to the club to demonstrate your forward-thinking fashion sense?

Celebs Just Love Twisted Silver

Small online merchants, including those in the fashion industry such as jewelry designers, often battle for visibility in the massive marketplace that is today’s Internet. With thousands of new websites going up every day, it can be a real struggle for small-website owners to connect with their would-be customers. This is the story of how one jewelry designer uses blogging to connect with her fans – and with lots of celebrities, too! Having a WordPress blog in addition to your website is a great way to drive traffic to your site. Because blogs are dynamic rather than static like websites, the search engines love them - especially when they contain lots of content with plenty of inbound/outbound links.

What to Wear to a Holiday Party

Don’t succumb traditional grandma-style holiday sweater with the giant Christmas tree on the front. If you’re looking for ideas to wear to your holiday party, look no farther. You have many different options, from fun sparkly dresses to separates with a formal bent. Many people like to wear Christmas colors to demonstrate their holiday spirit. But you can look just as trendy in wearing blue, pink, and purple. Gold and silver are also very fashionable colors, and can look very good fashionable, especially when paired with black or grey. Some new styles coming up include the Baby Doll dress, with a contrasting top and bottom, this 60s inspired pattern is best worn with black opaque tights and patent black Audrey flats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This bold, sophisticated red silk dress can be found at the Gap.

Satin Flats and Heels

If you’ve been craving the flats worn by Rihanna and Ashlee Simpson, look no farther. These Madison Harding satin d”Orsay flats are delightfully affordable and deliciously cute. They’re available online for $132 at winknyc.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . However, if you’re looking for a much less expensive version, look no farther than your local Forever 21 store, where you can purchase the same ribbon style on the toe, and with 4” heels. And they’re available for just $12.50 in a host of different colors, including black, blue, gold, red, and hot pink! The deals don’t get much better than that.

Five Worst Hairstyles Since the 70s

Below are the five worst hairstyles since the 1970s. But you be the judge. Do you agree? Or can you top this? 5. Women with crew cuts . . . . . . . . . Grow your hair out just two inches. It will look amazing. 4. Women with shaved heads . . . . . . . . . . . Shaved heads only look good on certain men with a strong bone structure. Not women. 3. Dreadlocks . . . . . . . . . .

legacy/women_with_crew_cuts.jpg

. Ew. How long has it been since the hair was washed? 2.

Michelle Obama: the Newest American Fashion Icon

Not only do we have a First Lady that we can truly revere for her achievements and hard work, we can also admire her fashion sense. Her classy sense of style was identified in the beginning of Barack Obama’s campaign, and has been discussed in many articles, both in blogs and newspapers. Michelle Obama is certainly on the path to becoming the next Jackie Kennedy. From her stunning red and black Spring 2009 Narciso Rodriguez design worn on Election Night to the cute, yellow J.Crew outfit she wore while appearing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ms. Obama makes a strong fashion statement.

Cuffed Jeans for Those in Warmer Climates

If you’re looking for a new way to wear your jeans, look no farther! The hottest trend is to wear Cuffed Jeans. Originally popular in the 80s (and perhaps in the 50s when worn by guys), this fashion statement is making a comeback among celebrities. You can buy pre-cuffed jeans, made by designers such as Emily Current and Meritt Elliot of the It brand Current/Elliot, or fashion them yourself. To recreate this style, loosely roll the bottom of the hem twice into a messy, skinny cuff. Make sure that you don’t make the cuff too flat or too perfect. The roll should hit 2-3 inches above the ankle bone, so it falls lower than capris but higher than high-waters. This style looks best on jeans that already look worn, whether that be because they’re faded or they’ve been worked so they look fashionably tattered. Pair these jeans with a classic t-shirt, a scarf, or even just a plain, long-sleeve shirt. Regardless, this is a casual look, so try not to dress it up too much.

Don the Same Bags Celebrities Have

If you want to look just like the celebrities (and maybe even be mistaken for one), check out these leather slouchy bags! They are leather Gigi bags by Temperley London, and they come in metallic burgundy , blue, and black. Priced at $1595 for a large one and $1395 for a small one, these beauties will brighten your entire holiday season. Rosario Dawson, Demi Moore, and Kate Bosworth have all been seen donning this fancy new bag, and you should too! The leather is durable, and even the small one can hold a surprising amount of your daily carrying essentials.

Sequins Are In

In case you’re wondering about the new look this season, look no farther than the little details on your outfit – sequins! The once-tacky addition reserved for tacky 80s prom dresses is making a big comeback. And with style. Designers from Tracy Reese and Betsey Johnson to Oscar de la Renta and Proenza Schouler are indulging in this phenomenon that is sweeping the fashion industry. Just check out Ginnifer Goodwin’s new Yves Saint Laurent. Her simultaneously classy and modern style is emblematic of this shift towards the beautiful, bright, and shiny. Sequins can sparkle any part of your outfit from your skirt to your shoes to your clutch. Just check out this gem! They’re sequined silk satin Becky heels, for sale on net-a-porter.com for $450. These beauties would go perfectly with an opaque black tights and a skirt.

Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller on the Red Carpet

Kiera Knightley and Sienna Miller attended the British Independent Film Awards, and reportedly held hands the whole time. Sienna wore a simple little black dress with a satin trim and a little sequined shrug. She paired the two with opaque black tights and classic black heels to give the outfit a sheeek, finished look. In order to emphasize her glamorous drop earring, Sienna swept her hair back into a high bun. Kiera Knightly chose to wear a glamorous twist on a romantic gothic dress. The lace and billowy fabric give the overall dress a light, airy look while maintaining an air of sophistication. However, the dress was too big on Kiera and the bustier ended up falling well below where it should normally be worn. Perhaps a tailor will be a wonderful investment prior to Kiera's next appearance on the red carpet. The two will co-starring a movie called “Edge of Love,”  where they portray women who are both involved with legendary poet Dylan Thomas. The move will be shown in theaters beginning in March 2009.