BEAUTY: NARS Spring 2012 Collection

 The Spring 2012 Collection, created by Founder and Creative Director François Nars, stars a mix of bright and playful colors balanced with rich, saturated hues. Nars chose to photograph model Ginta Lapina for the spring campaign, explaining, “Her delicate features and classic beauty made her an ideal fit for a collection that’s at once fresh and fierce.”

To achieve the makeup look in the campaign image, Ginta’s skin was made radiant with Santa Fe Sheer Glow Foundation and set with Eden Loose Powder to create an Immaculate Complexion. Next, Zen Blush was applied to the hollow of the cheek and blended toward the temple for contour; Gaiety Blush was brushed onto the apple of the cheeks for a pop of color.

After prepping with Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, Lhasa Single Eyeshadow was blended onto Ginta’s lids, extending the color to the upper inner corner of the eye. Her brow bone was highlighted with Albatross Highlighting Blush before Dark Rite Soft Touch Shadow Pencil was swiped across the upper lash line. It was further defined with Rue Saint-Honoré Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner; a winged effect was created in the outer corner. The lower lash was lined with the same pencil and gently smudged. Brows were defined with Blondie Single Eyeshadow; lashes were curled, then brushed with two coats of Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara. Lips were lined and filled in with Amazon Lipliner Pencil, then topped with Valparaíso Pure Matte Lipstick and Misbehave Lip Gloss for shine. The look was completed with Écume Nail Polish on the nails.

via: Temptalia

Available Friday, January 13th, 2012 at www.narscosmetics.com

Solange Gets Refreshingly Beautiful for V Magazine

via: V Magazine

Solange Knowles is wearing Jacket Bess NYC by Doug Abraham with a Jil Sander Navy shirt. She looks so refreshed and beautiful like....NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL. Super excited for Solo to drop her next album, I know it will be fiyah!  

Hair Inspiration: The Ombre Hair Color

Hair has been on my mind lately, since I'm considering a bit of a switch up (can't reveal, just yet)! I noticed over the summer that more celebrities were leaning towards the infamous "ombre hair color" trend. The name "ombre" is a french term which leaves the darker, more natural hues at the roots of your hair while gradually lightening at the ends. I'm loving this hair trend, simply because you don't have to worry about running back to the beauty salon every 3-4 weeks for a touch-up, which could be a total hassle for a busy bee like myself! As women we pride ourselves on looking and feeling good about our hair, we constantly obsess on making sure every strand of hair is in the right place, it's laying down accordingly, the curls are really curly or whether our hair frizzy and needs taming so hair coloring is also a constant worry of ours but have no fear ombre is here!

This hair trend looks very chic and tends to manageable for anyone that's interested in conserving their coins for more important things. Of course we loveeeeeee the beauty salon gossip, feeling of pampering and the "nobody can wash my hair like my stylist" feeling but going every 2 weeks dropping $100+ on touch-ups on hair color can be pricey! Ombre hair allows you to up to 4-8 weeks without needing a touch-up....who doesn't like to save their coins?! Umm WIN!

Celebrity Hairstylist, R. Obrien Lynch, gives his top 3 things to consider before taking the Ombre plunge yourself on Hello Beautiful (see below):

1. Consider your profession and future aspirations before you go with the bolder shades. The A-listers have started a trend that essentially looks like “grown out” color, which, thankfully, makes it easier on those of us who just don’t have the time to traipse to the salon every few weeks for a retouch. However, remember, the more creative a person chooses to be with their color shading, the more attention they may acquire.

2. Choose shades that will compliment your skin tone as well as wardrobe choices. A person can choose one (1) to three (3) colors to shade for the “Ombre” effect. In the warmer months, shoot for lighter, more vibrant shades and in the winter months, choose cooler, more ash tones.

For a dark chocolate beauty: deep reds, coppers, and cool ash make for beautiful choices.
For the caramel-coated lovely: rich browns, coppers, possibly even violets (depending on career character).
For the fair maiden: ash tones, subdued blondes, golden caramel tones will add warmth to her olive skin.

3. If there has been a previous color, you WILL NOT be able to achieve the “Ombre” effect successfully without some color correction (or maybe even more drastic measures). Though it may look as if this now infamous look can be achieved at home, it is necessary to visit a professional establishment for the best results.

Could you see yourself trying this hair trend?

VIDEO OF THE DAY: Prabal Gurung Pre-Fall 2012

If Your Shoes Could Talk...What Would They Say About You?

Ladies, do you care to partake in a few minutes of girl talk with me? Well lately I've been obsessing (nothing new) over shoes and what they say about a person. As women we tend to buy shoes that reflect our personality, mood or sometimes how we feel, for example if you want to get sexy for that special date night with the beau you tend to lean towards a higher and eye-catching heel (red, sleek black heel) that will make you feel sexy even if you are wearing skinny jeans and tee shirt. In my opinion you can tell ALOT about a woman by her shoes, just like how you can tell alot about a man by his. Whether a woman is wearing a pair of Christian Louboutin, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, or Giuseppe Zanotti's or even Nike's, I like to think that I can read a little about her personality or how she feels today. Being a freelance stylist and offering my girlfriends fashionable advice has allowed me to work on my "shoe personality" guru (I'm no Ms.Cleo) skills! I've broken down in my opinion what your many shoes say about you (see below):

What Does Your Shoe Say About You?

The Sneaker Shoe Addict: She is not only 'down for whatever' or the comfortable card holder but also likes to have fun with her daring personality that comes off as being youthful and very playful. Of course this woman is BUSY and is probably on the move all the time (i.e. Fab-Mommy or Athlete).

Sneaker Addict

Ballerina Flats Are My BFF: The ballerina flat shoe woman can be considered one of the most "in control" woman that their is. She remains grounded (pun intended) and firm believer in her own right! She is a lover of knowing that their is stability wherever she goes but, sometimes lack the daring or playful side. Don't get it twisted, she also embodies a energetic spirit that is often carried out in her high paced lifestyle. She is easy to get along with and relies on her feet being planted right wear she stands to stay true to what she believes in!

Ballerina Flats Are My BFF

The Platform Princess & Wedge Warrior: I like to think the Platform Princess and Wedge Warrior have alot in common. They exude inner/outer and "quiet" confidence while giving off the idea that she is sexy! They understand that importance of comfort but doesn't miss the mark in being fashionable or one-of-a-kind. The Platform Princess & Wedge Warrior are seen as the more practical women that can make firm decisions. Being trendy is also a commonality they share which makes them quite rare and unique, I like to think of them as being ready for a evening out on the town or a walk in the park!

Platform Princess

Wedge Warrior

6-Inch Walker, Big SH*T Talker: This woman is also known as the Stiletto heel connoisseur that can be seen as a someone with power or authority. She is not only taller than the rest but she prides herself on looking and feeling her best even if that means she can't feel her toes. She KNOWS that its important to dress or overdress for the occasion regardless of where she is going. Her philosophy is "Keep Your Head High & Your Heels Higher"  and her personality speaks for itself.....OUTGOING! The 6-Inch Walker Big Sh*T Talker is attention seeking and is very driven to get what they want (Boss). Regardless, of the designer they want their presence to be known once they enter a room...

6-Inch Walker, Big SH*T Talker

Dakota Fanning's Fierce Red Lip for Elle UK, February 2012

One of my favorite actresses Dakota Fanning covers Elle UK for their February 2012 issue wearing Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana and countless others. She was photographed by David Slijper and Styled by Anne-Marie Curtis. I'm totally loving this fierce red lip she's wearing on the cover and throughout her spread.

Uber-fab to say the least!

via: BID

FASHION NEWS: Solange Knowles Signs with Next Model Management

Singer, Fab Mommy and now Aunty to 'Princess Carter' has added another job to her resume....*drum roll*......MODEL, duh! Solange has modeled for brands including Rimmel London, Carol’s Daughter and House of Deréon. Solange told Vogue Magazine that "Artistic expression is invaluable to me in all walks of my career and I am so excited to continue to develop this path along with such an amazing team at Next Model Management...I feel right at home working with people who have worked beside such creative forces in the world."

The global publicist, Katy Mosesly, agrees with Solange Katy said they were "delighted" to work with her and "she is hugely popular and beautiful, with so many brilliant ideas and creative energy." Look out for our Model Citizen next month, as she will star in Vogue Magazine'  "Today I’m Wearing..." series in which you can get a glimpse of what she will be wearing EVERY DAY in the month of February! How exciting is that? Congrats to our Model Citizen Solange!

Kelly Rowland For London's ES Magazine

via: ES Magazine

Gisele Bündchen for Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2012

via: Smartologie

SPLURGE: Oscar De La Renta x Beats By Dre. Fur Headphones

Oscar De La Renta collides with the infamous Beats by Dr. Dre to create an exclusive plum silver fox fur headphone! They retail for a jaw-dropping $695 at oscardelarenta.com. Will you keep your ears warm with these headphones? 

Obsessed: Giuseppe Zanotti Henry Leather x Metal T-Strap Sandal

Ladies are you feeling these?! I've been slightly obsessed with these since I spotted them last season, and although I know we are in the heart of winter (it's currently snowing outside) I could totally see this being a staple in my closet for Spring/Summer 2012! Giuseppe Zanotti's Henry leather and metal t-strap sandal currently retails for $447.50 (on sale from $895). Umm steal, right?! 

Fab-Mommy Beyonce's Very 'Blue' Pregnancy!

Congrats to Jay Z and Beyonce as they welcomed a healthy baby girl by the name of Blue Ivy Carter into the world on Saturday, January 8, 2012! I can't believe I missed the obvious (see above) very 'blue pregnancy' Beyonce had, were we really that blind?! Anyway, we heard that the Hip-Hop Power couple were so excited for the baby's birth, they even sent their friends Blue Christmas gifts, how cute is that?! Beyoncé's birthday is Sept. 4, while Jay-Z's is Dec. 4; they wed on April 4 in 2008; have matching "IV" tattoos on their wedding fingers; and Beyoncé named her latest album 4. Therefore, they chose the name "Ivy" because of the number 4 or Roman numeral IV, which is significant in Beyoncé and Jay-Z's relationship. Want to know where Blue came from? Well Father Jay-Z has three albums with the word "blueprint" in their titles: The Blueprint was released in 2001; The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse, in 2002; and The Blueprint 3, in 2009. In lyrics, Jay-Z states that "I'm the Blueprint, I'm like the map for 'em," he said in "A Star Is Born," from The Blueprint 3 so it's only right that his 1st born would be named Blue! I doubt if we see pictures of the actual baby anytime soon, but it seems the BIGGA camp is happy about Princess Carter! We wish them well :)

BURBERRY SPRING/SUMMER 2012 Ad Campaign

Burberry's Spring/Summer 2012 campaign features Eddie Redmayne and Cara Delevingne wearing the trenches and parkas sure to be a hit next season. I'm really in love with this ad, enjoy :) 

YOU'RE INVITED: Shecky's Girls Night Out, Spring 2012

Girls Night Out is returning to DC once again and you’re invited! Just a few days ago, one of my girlfriends sent me the link to the Shecky's website and suggested a 'Shecky's Girls Night Out' which I quickly agreed too! I attended a Shecky's Girls Night Out event back in 2009 so I'm really amped to go this year. Discover unique designers, sip on delectable drinks, and cap your night with some pretty pampering and glorious Goodie Bags! Get your tickets here!

EVENT ALERT: Mila & Fire Relaunch Fashion Expo

I'll definitely be there in my vintage goodies from Mila & Fire! 

Will you?

No Words, Just a Picture...

Field Trip: The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier- From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk

Jean Paul Gaultier

This weekend I finally had the opportunity to visit the Dallas Museum of Art to see the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit entitled "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier- From Sidewalk to the Catwalk". One word: AUH-MAZ-ING!! The exhibition highlights Gaultier’s eclectic and vibrant sources of inspiration through a selection of over 140 haute couture dresses and ready-to-wear pieces made between the early 1970s and 2011 as well as other multimedia exhibits highlighting collaborations, interviews as well as sketches from his collection. Dallas is the first of only two U.S. cities on the international tour (San Francisco being the other city in March 2012) so to be able to experience this once in a lifetime event made it that much better.

Jean Paul Gaultier is not only one of the best designers of the decade but he is also a visionary, a dreamer who wasn't scared to push the envelope and introduce the world into his dark deep mind of high fashion couture. The exhibit spread over 6 rooms who each had a different theme-“The Odyssey of Jean Paul Gaultier,” “The Boudoir,” “Skin Deep,” “Punk Cancan,” “Urban Jungle,” and “Metropolis” —featuring ensembles from the designer’s couture collections, as well as from his prêt-à-porter line, along with their accessories. The majority of these pieces have never been exhibited. Sketches, stage costumes, and excerpts from films, runway shows, concerts, dance performances, and televised interviews also provided a look at the couturier’s world and how his avant-garde fashions challenged societal codes in unexpected ways.

Entrance of Exhibit

The Talking Mannequins from "The Odyssey of Jean Paul Gaultier" room

As you walk into the exhibit you are immediately introduced to the invigorating mind of Mr. Gaultier. Each mannequin dawns an eerie projected image of a realistic talking face whose eyes seem to follow and examine you as if you were the exhibit. I was completely mesmerized by the faces... I could hardly pay attention to the clothing! You are also introduced to many of Gaultier childhood memories such as the first client he dressed (he made a cone bra for his teddy bear) as well as some of his collaborations with pop stars like Madonna and Kylie Minogue and some of his couture designs and sketches for the movie "The Fifth Element". Some of the designs were hand set, taking over 1000 hours to make!

Mannequins from the Skin Deep room featuring designs inspired from the human body. The black (L) is a skeleton replica made of rhinestones and the blood veins and matching hear purse (R) is constructed from red beading.

Mannequins from the Punk Cancun room. Featured moving runway of Paris inspired designs as well as punk rock inspired designs.



Having the opportunity to experience this exhibition was not only exhilarating but it was also inspiring and motivating. It tells the story of how a small town boy from France wasn't afraid to go against societal norm and went on to becoming a world-renown haute couture designer. I would highly encourage anyone who loves not only fashion but history and art as well to see it. The experience will be life changing.

Photos via D Magazine