DIY Gel Manicures

  I think I speak for most if not all make up and fashion lovers out there when I say that ever since the recession, we’ve all had to come up with creative ways and make sacrifices to compensate and make ends meet to stay on top of our style A-game. For the creativity aspect of the situation, a recession isn’t necessarily all bad. Of course, we let ourselves splurge occasionally on a shopping spree or a mani and pedi at the salon.

 Now, the wait is over. Services such as at-home bikini waxes and DIY gel nails are on its way and cash saving options are available more than ever before. Gel nail brands are getting in on the DIY trend, with mass groups such as CCA, Pacific World, and Innovative Beauty Group all creating their own Gel products that you can do at home. Barry Shields, the marketing manager for Innovative Beauty Group told WWD, “Gel manicures are proven in salons and we are bringing a quality and convenient product to mass. It provides an affordable and lasting option for consumers.”

 In comparison to traditional manicures, gel manicures last at least twice the time and being able to do so in the comfort of our homes while popping in the last season of Desperate Housewives sounds pretty amazing.

Red Carpet Manicure (the new product created by Innovative Beauty Group) offers an LED lamp that is sold with the nail products to set the color. They also feature special LED polishes that help achieve a longer lasting application. There will be 36 shades and the price for the starter kit will cost $79.99. Keep an eye out for Red Carpet Manicure coming to beauty stores this Fall.

Posted by: Saeko

Shak's 1,200 Pair Shoe Collection

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   The average woman spends $25,000 on shoes in her lifetime, according to “The Today Show”. Beth Shak, who owns 1,200 pairs spends this large amount on shoes in one year. The professional poker player has been making headlines for her ridiculously endless shoe collection. The 41-year old let “The Today Show” take a look inside her closet which is filled with Manolo Blahnik heels, Lanvin flats, red crystal-studded  Chanels and 700 pairs of Christian Louboutins, her favorite shoe brand of all time.
  How does Shak afford such an abundant collection of these babies? Her poker winnings. Her signature soles have earned her reputation at the poker table and male players have taken notice. “I wore Uggs once and a man said, ‘Where are your heels?’” Shak told Women’s Wear Daily. Clearly, her image has become synonymous with her shoe collection as a professional poker player. Can any ladies outdo her shoe collection?



Posted by: Saeko

L'Oreal Ads Banned in U.K.

  The British Advertising Standards Authority has blocked a Lancome ad featuring Julia Roberts and a Maybelline ad with Christy Turlington from publication because of complaints of the image looking overly Photoshopped. Both companies are owned by L’oreal, and acknowledge retouching the images but state that they aren’t too unrealistic.

 According to The Guardian, Jo Swinson, a member of Parliament said in a complaint to the ASA that the images are “overly perfected and unrealistic”. In Roberts’ ad for Lancome’s Teint Miracle foundation, her skin appears flawless while Turlington’s ad for Maybelline’s The Eraser shows portions of her skin with and without the product.
Swinson’s issue is that Roberts’ ad makes her face look wax-like. For Turlington’s ad, the company stated:


  L’Oréal UK admitted that Turlington’s image had been “digitally retouched to lighten the skin, clean up makeup, reduce dark shadows and shading around the eyes, smooth the lips and darken the eyebrows”. However, it claimed there were still signs of ageing, such as crow’s feet, and that the image “accurately illustrated” the achieveable results.


  The company also told The Independent that she looks so good in the ad because her skin is naturally flawless. Swinson says the ban “sends a powerful message to advertisers—let’s get back to reality.” Although the ad is banned in the UK, those of us in the States will bare witness to these false images of perfection by L’Oreal in the near future. What do you guys think? Should these photos be less touched up and represent more realistic images or is banning these photo edited images going too far?


Posted by: Saeko

SJP on Vogue Cover

   The fall issue of women’s fashion magazines are now on the racks and we all know how much we look forward to this issue more than any other issue of the year when it comes to fashion magazines. As for the most anticipated and one of the most infamous fashion magazines out there, Vogue, Sarah Jessica Parker appears on the cover for her sixth time on the August 2011 issue. Shot by Mario Testino, Parker looks stunning in the photoshoot.

 Since the shoot took place in a domestic setting, she wanted her husband Matthew Brodernick and kids, son James Wilkie and twin daughters Tabitha and Loretta to be included in the shoot as well. Parker dons fabulous pieces by designers Oscar de la Renta, Proenza Schouler, Chanel and many others. Take a peek at the gorgeous outfits below and tell us which one’s your favorite!

Posted by: Saeko 

Dressing Professionally in the Summer

 Dressing for a day at the office doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be uncomfortable. Even in this warm weather that reach triple digits in some areas, you can take these tips and tricks into consideration to make your work day a little less unbearable.

Work Apparel Basics: General Rules

-If the choice stands between being overdressed or under-dressed, it’s probably a better idea to overdress and take off that blazer jacket or cardigan rather than being grossly under-dressed all day.

-Ask someone in the workplace if there’s a dress code that needs to be followed.

-Look and see how other people at the office dress to get a general idea of the type of outfits you’re expected to wear.

-If you have to question whether or not something is appropriate to wear at work, its most likely not.

-Try to pick lightweight clothes made of breathable fabrics.

-Play with patterns, fabrics and trendy pieces. Depending on whether the office is more conservative or casual, you can choose more muted colors or bolder patterns.

-Most workplaces don’t allow bare arms so if you want to wear something sleeveless, make sure you cover up with a lightweight cardigan or blazer.

-Depending on the company, you may be able to wear peep-toe shoes or even dressy sandals. Just remember that flip-flops are never a good idea to wear to the office.

Hope these tips and tricks help! Let us know your outfit ideas, tips and tricks here!

Posted by: Saeko

Tyra Banks Talks "Modelland" with Good Morning America

 Tyra Banks stopped by Good Morning America this morning to chat with Robin Roberts about her new book entitled Modelland, her life at Harvard Business School, and her hopes to leave a legacy of cultural domination. The segment was entertaining to say the least with her almost terrifying amount of energy, the Harry Potter-meets-America’s Next Top Model plot of her book and her gold wing-shaped eyewear that she explains as a “smize”.

 "What's up with my eye? OK, so at Modelland, this fantasy world that I've created for my novel, if you find one of these, which I call a 'smize,' it increases your chances of getting into the most exclusive school in the entire world, the school that creates the most amazing supermodels called Intoxibellas. It increases your chances by 91 percent. [...] The models have magic in this school most definitely, so it's a totally fantasy adventure novel."

 According to Tyra, a supermodel-turned-TV host-turned-author, she wants to create something similar to the works of Walt Disney but for empowering women. In order to accomplish all her goals, she has enrolled in Harvard Business School, doing the whole dorms and studying thing along with the rest of her classmates. The book debuts on September 13, but if you just can’t wait, you can pre-order it on Amazon.com 

 Posted by: Saeko

Kim Kardashian Sues Old Navy for Lookalike Model

 Kim Kardashian, who seems to always find a way to be the main topic of conversation in celebrity gossip has yet another reason to be the trending topic of tabloids. Kim Kardashian is now suing Old Navy for capitalizing on her image without giving her a cut of the profits. Old Navy has tweeted of the campaign: “Breaking News!! @CBSNEWS reports that Old Navy’s Super CUTE star looks like @kimkardashian. #LOL. What do you think?” Kardashian thinks the ad has cost her $20 million out of her pocketbook which is the amount she is suing for. The lawsuit, which the Kardashian legal team alleges that Old Navy found someone who looks almost exactly like Kardashian, model Melissa Molinaro, to fool the public into thinking that she was working with them.

 The “Super C-U-T-E” ad itself says “This is real life/I’m not posing for a magazine,” and then goes on about her day, getting a root canal and being followed around by paparazzi. In response, Old Navy stated “Hey, we were just having a little fun with a ubiquitous topical reference.”
Take a look at the commercial for yourself and let us know what you think. Do you think Kim’s got a case?


Posted by: Saeko

Pamela Anderson Designs Couture Stockings

 Pamela Anderson is one of those people that every guy and every girl can instantly put a face to when they hear her name. However, fashion and style isn’t the first things that come to mind in association with her name. In addition to her infamous red one piece bathing suit Baywatch days running on the beach, she has also recently collaborated with stocking company Secrets In Lace to have Pamela design, market and distribute a line of speciality nylons. “This collaboration is the perfect match, as Pamela Anderson exudes sex appeal, and her stocking line is no exception. She knows how to play up her assets, the line exemplifies just that,” said a company spokesperson.

 The line is called Pamela Couture Collection and the stockings are 100% nylon and come in five designs, including an adorable swiss dot version. These stockings end at the top of the thigh and require a garter belt. The sexy ensemble start at $40 and can be purchased at SecretsinLace.com

Posted: Saeko

New Trend- Mesh Tops

1, 2, 3

For the bold and fashion saavy, a new trend has come along and its here to stay as seen from the trendy fashionistas and fashion runways of this coming season. Mesh tops are going to be the hot new thing, and by this, I don’t mean the micromesh feminine tops you’ve seen at the store. I’m talking about the other athletic mesh tops that you used to wear in gym class—the ones that usually came in a bright neon yellow or orange color. According to how you dress up this trend, it can either be worn as a classy piece or as a street style statement piece. These mesh tops are adorable when worn over a button-up, over a dress or tucked into a skirt.

Is this a look that you guys would rock? If so, how would you incorporate this piece to your outfit? Personally, I’ll definitely need to do some mixing and matching in order to be convinced that this is something I can put in my closet and wear more than once.

Posted by: Saeko

Snooki Update

The lovely Jersey Shore castmate, Snooki has apparently decided to add something to her resume besides being a reality TV star. This year, she launched a line of pickle print flip flops to which the media had a surprising fascination with the reality TV star’s innovative and unique creations. In addition to her pickle print flip flops, Snooki has also introduced the release of her pickle princess Halloween costume. She’s also bowed a jewelry and sunglasses line and a book, “The Shore Thing”. Today’s Footwear News features a Q&A with Snooki called “Snooki’s Good Taste,” in which we can get to know her and some of her favorite things including towering stilettos and platform pumps and of course, her latest shoe ventures.

According to Footwear News, Snooks must-have shoe brand, Nina. She says, “The light-up heels are pretty sick.”

Her favorite celebrity style: Nicki Minaj. “She’s amazing”.

Dream vacation: Bora Bora

I never leave home without: Bronzer and pink lipstick

Funniest person I know: Myself

If “The Snooki” were a cocktail, the key ingredient would be: Pickle juice, vodka and wine, and it would have a little umbrella”


Posted by: Saeko


Snooki's favorite shoe: Nina

Whitney Port Interview

There’s something about Whitney Port that makes her so lovable, even though her celebrity status became official via reality TV shows, The Hills and The City. Whit talked to Grazia Daily about drama on The City, suffering under Kelly Cutrone and her life as a fashion designer. A true girl with class and charm, she continues to develop her skills as a young fashion designer and TV personality. Check out some of our favorite parts of the interview below.

What she learned from her former boss Diane Von Furstenburg:
Diane Von Furstenburg [sic] taught me that I need to design for every woman, that I can’t just keep one woman in mind and I have to think about what girls of all shapes and sizes are going to want to wear so this is always in the back of my head. She’s just so empowering in general and as a female influence she’s made a big impact on my life. On her time on The City: It was so much fun! I mean, obviously there are points when I thought I can’t handle this anymore! I didn’t want the pressure of every move I made and everything I said being on TV, but for the most part, I was able to launch my clothing line off the back of it, which was my ultimate goal so I’ll always be grateful for that. So I enjoyed every experience I had because it is very rare for someone my age to be put in such a cool environment and have so many opportunities.

On working with Kelly Cutrone:
Kelly is exactly how she is on camera! She has a very nurturing side, which I think you see on camera as well. She is very motherly and a really awesome mentor. I think she just wants to push people to take chances and to not be afraid of failure. She was my biggest cheerleader! If you manage to get passed that rough edge you realise that she’s a big softy! As for Port’s enemies? The star has nothing but kind words.

On who is more stylish, her or her City rival Olivia Palermo:
Olivia, for sure. I mean, even in general she is one of the most stylish girls out there. She has a really great eye! Seriously, Whit’s either making up really nice things about not nice people to get us to like her, or she’s just a really cool chica. We’re hoping it’s the latter, but either way we’re buying it. Check out the rest of the interview here.

Posted by: Saeko

Beckhams Welcome Baby Girl, Harper Seven

One of my favorite power celebrity couples, Victoria and David Beckham welcomed a baby girl on Sunday. David announced his newborn’s name, Harper Seven via Facebook. (7 was David’s soccer jersey number when he played for Manchester United and captained the English National Team.) The fashion designer mom and soccer star dad already have three boys—Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, 8, and Cruz, 5.

"Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz are excited to welcome their new baby sister to the family," Beckham family spokesperson Jo Milloy said. Apparently, David appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel” in April where he told the host that they first believed it was a boy. He also mentioned that Romeo suggested “Justine Bieber Beckham” as a possible name—good thing they went with Harper. Baby Harper weighed in at 7 lbs. 10 oz.

It seems that the pregnancy hasn’t slowed Victoria down one bit. The fashion mogul has continued working and even launched her Victoria by Victoria Beckham dress collection earlier this week. She joked with Glamour UK that she wouldn't be taking time off once the baby arrived. "Maternity leave -- what's that?...My husband and children will always be my priority. But for me, what I do professionally doesn't feel like a job." Congratulations to the happy family!

Posted by: Saeko

Kardashian Kolors

Remember that rumor a few months ago about the Kardashians collaboratng on a nail polish line with OPI? Well if this is the first time you’re hearing about it, get ready because it’s happening! But instead of a collaboration with OPI, they are collaborating with OPI’s little siter brand, Nicole by OPI and the line is called Kardashian Kolors.

The Kardashian sisters minus Kim, met with magazine editors yesterday to give everyone a sneak peek at the line. Khloe tweeted, “Wow just had the most amazing lunch for our Nicole by OPI line with fabulous editors of so many glam magazines! #Dreaming”. Of course, the Kardashian sisters had a little fun working on such a project. The names are as ridiculous and silly as they are. Kourtney’s orange-red is called “Kourt is Redy for a Pedi” and Khloe’s steel blue is called “Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam”. We’re not quite sure when the line will be available but as with anything they lay their hands on, we’re pretty sure more news will be coming soon so stay tuned!

Posted by: Saeko

Photo Courtesy of Eva Chen

Rihanna Lands Emporio Armani Underwear and Jeans Campaigns

The label Emporio Armani just announced the sultry 23-year old singer Rihanna as the new face for ads shot in New York City that is set to launch this autumn/winter 2011-12. In just one year, Rihanna has not only landed one of the biggest endorsement deals of her career but she has also had a successful album, couple of #1 singles, and a sold out world tour. The campaign is known for casting some of the sexiest faces in entertainment including the Beckhams, Megan Fox and Cristiano Ronaldo. Keep an eye out for this stunning beauty because she isn’t about to stop anytime soon!

Posted by: Saeko

Long Skirts Trend

We’ve just about hit the halfway point of the summer season and it’s never too late to update your closet with some hot new items. If you haven’t caught on yet, short skirts are no longer the hottest skirts to wear around town. After Paris Haute Couture Week, it is evident that the below-the-knee silhouettes are becoming one of summer’s must-have items. From Jean Paul Gaultier to Armani Prive Chanel, long skirts are here to stay.

For day or night, midi-skirts are versatile and flattering and can be dressed up or down. You can add a pair of heels to this look for a more sophisticated look or flat sandals for that casual chic look. Check out some outfits incorporating various style long skirts and give these looks a try for yourself.

Posted by: Saeko

Poised Polka Dot Skirt

Lady Gaga Day in Taiwan

People were celebrating this past weekend for a variety of reasons-Canada Day, Fourth of July and Lady Gaga Day? Yes, that’s right Taiwan was so excited for Gaga’s tour that they announced July 3rd as Lady Gaga Day and threw a more than ecstatic celebration. The pop star was celebrated in Taichung by government officials and of her course her fans. A group of Taiwanese school children performed a dance with chants of “Gaga! Gaga!” for the star. The mayor of Taichung, Jason Hu, presented Gaga with a key to the city, along with a painting of her ‘Born This Way’ album cover.

Gaga attended the festivities in a pair of red pants with a matching red animal-print blazer. She topped off this look with half black, half white hair which she’s been seen with as of late. She expressed her graititude for the gifts and celebration and stated, “I will always remember this day.” She performed a free nine-song concert in the city, where approximately 4,000 people attended, many who were dressed in Gaga-inspired outfits. She’ll continue her tour of Asia in Singapore today. As named by Rolling Stone magazine, the "Queen of Pop" is having quite a favorable effect on the Eastern hemisphere and mentioned she will be returning to the island next year for a concert with tickets on general sale.

Posted by: Saeko

Kanye West Working on Fashion Label

Love him or hate him, Kanye West is out working on another project and this time, he’s hitting the studio in Paris for a reason other than to record an album. In fact, his newest focus is to design his own fashion line.

According to The Daily Telegraph, West has made Paris his headquarters as he tries to launch a career in fashion. He is working on a high-end line of men’s and women’s clothing that is set to debut as early as September. Now, before you start bashing on him as another celebrity wannabe fashion designer, he actually has some experience in the industry.

He has interned at Fendi, collaborated on a sneaker line with Nike and Louis Vuitton and wrote a fashion column for Complex magazine. West has also been working on another label called Pastelle but announced a couple years ago that it would never be released. Knowing this, you can imagine the excitement and expectations that comes from Kanye fans everywhere when he announced that he is creating a full line on his own terms for both men and women. Would you wear one of Kanye's pieces?

Posted by: Saeko

Nicole Richie's House of Harlow 1960 Launches Handbags

Nicole Richie is expanding the House of Harlow 1960 empire with one of women’s best friends, handbags. The 14-piece collection will range in price from a red, hard-cased crocodile-printed clutch for $150 to a crocodile-printed clutch to $625 for a taupe and ivory burn-out pony hair hobo. These bags are full of fringe details, studs, velvet, jaguar hardware and ponyhair.

“Handbags have always been a part of the equation since we first launched the House of Harlow 1960 brand,” Richie said. “We just needed to make sure all of the components were aligned before setting foot into that category. The collection is quite small in terms of the styles we are launching with. I wanted to make sure that each piece is special and then be able to grow it slowly and organically season after season.”

“When I design, I always try to design pieces that are universal, meaning anyone can wear and carry it. At this stage of my design process, I really try to gather direct feedback from my customers, whether through in-store personal appearances, my Web site, Twitter or Facebook. It really helps me when they provide me with their desires, feedback and comments on what they are looking for, so I can try my best to cater to their needs, yet stay true to the brand’s identity,” Nicole said.
Keep an eye out for these beauties, the handbag collection will be available mid-July at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Shopbop.com.

Posted by: Saeko