Beauty Pick Of The Day!

Sometimes when I'm feeling like I have nothing to wear (which is probably...okay, most definitely not true..), and I can't afford a new outfit, I turn to a great new lip color! Even some of the more high-end lipsticks are only $25-$30...not too bad. However, I find that your local drug store usually has a fabulous selection for a fraction of the designer cost. My new favorite shade: Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Cool Watermelon. This punchy, melon/coral shade is a bright burst of color that will liven up any look. While it appears to be a summer color at first, I completely believe that it can be worn NOW! And, it glides on perfectly, with conditioning benefits. How beautiful would that color look with a chic black ensemble? Keep the rest of your face neutral, slick back your hair, and let your lips do the talking. A beauty j'adore

Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Cool Watermelon

Try Maybelline's other Moisture Extreme shades at your nearest drugstore, and check them out here - the site even has a color guide to help you find the best color for your skin tone and eye color!

New York Fashion Week: Best in show from day 1!

Day one of New York Fashion Week has come to a close! The snow proved to be a non-obstacle, and everything ran pretty smoothly. It was a tough opening, with the death of renowned fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, on everyone’s minds and in everyone’s hearts. "It's horrible news. It's so sad to be in such a state of despair. Such a great talent, such poetry -- it's horrific," New York fashion doyenne Diane von Furstenberg, head of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, told AFP. However, the show must go on, and with McQueen’s family in everyone’s prayers, the tents opened and the models hit the runways. Among all of the amazing collections shown, a few of my very favorite were Acne, BCBC Max Azria, Richard Chai Love, and Ports 1961. All brilliant, I can’t wait for these designs to hit stores in July! Here is my round-up of NYFW Day 1:

Acne

Designer, Jonny Johnson, was inspired by the Star Wars figurines that he young sons collect and play with. He told style.com, “We have to watch it and play it all the time. It’s sort of embarrassing, but that’s where my inspiration comes from – always close to home.” The models had spray-painted foreheads, glitter-glue eyelids, and dirt-sleek hair that made them look like urban-dwelling aliens. The Stockholm-based designer played with his normally Nordic designs, and upgraded them to transform to the streets, with a gothic-like look. Graffiti-print dresses, zipper harem pants, cartoonish fur topped boots, and a fabulous aviator shearling jacket are among my favorites of the collection. My favorite look, definitely look 16, simply because I want to wear that right now!

BCBG Max Azria

Husband-and-wife teams of Max and Lubov Azria decided to keep it practical for the upcoming Fall 2010 season, and I quite like the change from Spring 2010 which had more of an abstract, party-girl feel. With regards to the recession, Mrs. Azria told style.com, “It’s made us realists…It’s not about our fantasy. It’s about the customer.” Sensible and sellable, this pair gave us clean, crisp lines and knits that looked chic and comfortable. The thin t-shirt material is meant for people to be able to wear them right at the end of summer, love it! I loved the color-block patterns and the way the fabrics were layered, wrapped, draped and tucked to create a fantastic silhouette. My favorite look- the show opener! The silk piece layered over the super-thin tee, pulled together with a belt is a perfect fall outfit that I will wear come September!

Richard Chai Love

One of my favorite designers, Richard Chai, has done it again! He’s delivered a contemporary line that is lower-priced, but looks every bit as expensive as his primary line. Chai explained to style.com before the show, “I want to nurture the [Love] business. The women’s collection is already established.” The look for fall ’10 was very 90’s, with grunge-like tees paired with long skirts and fabulously sweet origami crane-printed silk button-down blouses. I loved his sporty looks the most, which reminded me a lot of Alexander Wang’s designs, but still unique. I loved look 11, it’s so cool and I love sweats! I’d want to wear it just as so, red lipstick and all! Well done Richard, you've definitely created clothes that women will Love.

And, don’t forget to watch Ports 1961 live streaming!!! The collection featured lots of greys and neutrals. I loved the suede boots and leather accenting. Also, flats and evening wear was a daring look, if you’re brave enough to try it! Oh, and I’m obsessed with the models’ free, curly hair- amazing! Watch it all here:

http://h.zeitbyte.com/o1/zb3.1/ports-1961/webcast_021110/webcast_021110/ports_1961_webast.html

(and follow the label on Twitter at: @Ports1691USA )

For more on these collections, head to: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2010RTW/

New York Fashion Week STREAMING LIVE!

I’m absolutely loving this new trend that many of my favorite fashion designers are embracing. It has occurred during fashion weeks of past, but for this year’s fall 2010 presentations, live streaming of the runway shows is ever more present. Can’t make it to fashion week…or not invited? No cares! Just throw on your best outfit (or pj’s) and plop down in front of your computer and experience the catwalk- be part of it! Head to these sites and watch the collections in real time, as the editors, buyers, and stylists are doing the same!

PORTS 1961

Thursday, February 11 at 3PM
http://www.Vogue.com/

ALEXANDER WANG

February 13, 22:00 GMT / 17:00 EST
http://live.showstudio.com. Be sure to tune in early.

CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION MEN'S

February 14, AIRS 2PM EST
http://www.facebook.com/calvinklein

MARC JACOBS

February 15 at more or less 8 p.m (check site)
http://www.marcjacobs.com/#/en-us/home

RODARTE

AIRS 16 FEB 2010, 17.00 GMT / 12.00 EST
http://live.showstudio.com. Be sure to tune in early.

CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION Womenswear

3:00pm EST on Thursday, February 18th
http://www.facebook.com/calvinklein

Head to http://www.focusonstyle.com/Blog/new-york-fashion-week-live-stream-digital-schedule to check for newly added live streaming fashion shows as the sites are confirmed.

Alexander McQueen Takes His Own Life...oh my gosh

Alexander McQueen

I am beyond shocked and saddened at the latest news that one of my icons, British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, was found dead at his London home this morning after taking his own life. A source from McQueen's office confirmed his death, stating to the British newspaper The Daily Mail: '"It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family."'

Alexander McQueen and friend Isabella Blow

At only 40 years old, this genius designer has accomplished more than he'd ever could have imagined before his good friend, Isabella Blow, discovered his talent and made him a star. Honors include: British designer of the year 4 times between 1996-2003,; he was awarded the CBE and was named International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designer Awards (CFDA). Blow tragically took her own life in May 2007, just three years ago, after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. McQueen was devastated at the loss of his dear friend, and dedicated his spring summer 2008 Paris show to Isabella.

Alexander McQueen Fall 2010 RTW

To add to an already broken heart, McQueen's beloved mother passed away February 2. On February 3, he tweeted: “RIP mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx,” he said. And a few minutes later: “But life must go on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” His last tweet, around February 7, was to a friend, saying:“I’m here with my girl Annie Tinkerbell wishing Kerry the slag, happy birthday in NY, your [sic] 40 now girl time to slow it down we think.”

Alexander McQueen Spring 2010 RTW


Known for his dramatic and unconventional runway shows, McQueen's shock tactics wowed the fashion industry. His exquisite designs, sharp tailoring, and incredible artistic vision caused fashion-lovers all over the world to fall in love with this amazing talent. He was set to debut his newest collection in Paris later this month...we'll see if his company will take on the designer's own words, "life must go on!" and carry on the show...


Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen for her music video


Celebrities all over were huge fans of the fantastical nature of McQueen, such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Madonna. Some of Gaga's most out-of-this-world designs were by McQueen, because that's just what he was, an out of this world designer.

Rihanna at an event in Alexander McQueen

This is such a sad day, and especially with the presence of New York Fashion Week, the loss of this amazing designer and man is so deeply felt all around. R.I.P. Alexander McQueen, you will be missed greatly, but I have a feeling your legacy in this world will live on well into the future.

Alexander McQueen R.I.P (1969-2010)

There's No Fist Pumping At Fashion Week

And there's no GTL'ing either...

Fashion and style are the last two words that jumps to mind when it comes to the over tanned, juiced up, scandalous cast of MTV’s Jersey Shore. I think these reality TV stars may actually be the anti-fashion…So, it was much to my disgust to hear this morning, via the New York Post, that your favorite guidos and guidettes may actually be attending New York Fashion Week! I mean, can you even picture these D-listers sitting among fashion’s greatest, exchanging notes with Anna Wintour and talking trends with Rachel Zoe? No, it’s absurd, and I am so scared to find out whether or not this is pure rumor or if it’s for real. Right now I am calling it just a bad joke, my favorite part being that one of their managers claims that a few designers actually reached out to them. Non-members of the fashion elite have become more and more present at Bryant Park recently, and many of the industry’s most important people are complaining that it is getting out of hand. If the Jersey Shore peeps actually end up with the seats at Fashion Week that they’ve been allegedly requesting, I will have a nice big laugh. While I do sort of enjoy these crazy and wild kids on my TV set, I’d rather not see them on, around, or anywhere near the runways. And plus, how would anyone be able to see over Snooki's hair pouf? No fist pumps for this news flash…it could be fashion suicide. We’ll see if they appear at the park…let’s hope they don’t!

Grammy's Most Gorgeous and Grotesque

Ugh, I have to start off this post by saying that I was pretty let down by this year's Grammy fashion. There was only really one, maybe two outfits that made my jump off my couch with admiration. Honestly, I planned on making this a "Best Dressed" write-up, but not I am forced to turn it into a "A Few Decently Dressed" and "A Whole Lot Of Worst Dressed"....

So, here are my slim pickins for the 2010 Grammy Awards Best in Fashion:

Lady Gaga had me going Gaga over this Armani Prive space get-up. While she landed on the Fashion Don't list of many, I will forever stand behind her fashion forward, futuristic outfits..no matter how out of this world they may be!

Jennifer Hudson showed off her hot post-baby body in this Victoria Beckham original. She could be mistaken for Posh Spice herself she looks that good! (with a few more beautiful curves, however).

I'm not head over heels for Keri Hilson's gown, made by Dolce & Gabbana, but I do think she looked absolutely stunning from head to toe. Her make-up was radiant, her hair looked glam. Loved the look overall.

Lea Michele has been a permanent fixture on my Fashion Do lists lately. This Glee star showed off her long legs in this Romona Keveza mini. Love that she didn't cover those up for once, who knew she had 'em?!

While I didn't care for Beyonce's first outfit, I loved this gold, glittery, chain embellished super-mini that she accepted her award in. Sasha very fierce!

This is a dress that I was very torn by...one of those looks that you either love because it's so brilliant, or you hate because it belongs in the trash, not on the red carpet. Luckily, Rihanna tilted me in the favorable direction, and I loved this Elie Saab gown on her!

Carrie Underwood was one of many who sported the cut-out trend, and just barely pulled it off. I thought she looked like a total beauty, and the dress was very elegant. It did look like she was testing out bridal gowns...but nonetheless, it was a Do for me.

Ok, this'll be easier. This Year's Grammys Worst Dressed Goes To:

Britney Spears...what can I say...you are a mess my darling. Please don't tell us that you're headed downhill again, because from the looks of it, and your fishnet stockings, that just might be the case. The pop princess should be mad at her beau, who's also her manager, for allowing her to leave the house in this disaster. Although the dress is by...gasp!..Dolce & Gabbana...a designer name alone can't make a look work. Sorry Brit, you're a big Don't..

Ke$ha calls her look "Garbage Chic"...which is like an oxymoron, but wutever...All I know is that if she was trying to class it up a bit with this flapper-inspired dress, she killed all hope by pairing it with those hideous heels, her normally grungy locks, and morning-after make-up. Fashion failure..TikTok, someone blow this outfit up please.

My favorite modern pin-up girl, Katy Perry dissapointed me with her Grammy pick, even if it was a Zac Posen design. It's a little grandma-sh, and not good for her skin tone at all. You're usually hot my love, but this look is just cold.

Schnickers, oh my..what shall we do with you? It's obvious no designer showrooms have opened their arms to you..which is sad, but you can at least try to look appropriate for one of the biggest nights in Hollywood. I have no idea who you are wearing...Guess, Forever21, Wet Seal??? Snooki, that outfit only works on the Jersey Shore...but props on nixing the hair pouf!

I've read a bunch of good review on Ciara's outfit at the Grammys, and I just don't get it! I thought she was almost as bad as Britney. I mean, her face looked great, but from the neck down I wanted to cry for her. There is so much going on I can't even tell what the heck is really happening with her dress...is it a dress, or pants...a body suit? Whatever, this Givenchy design looks a hot tranny mess on her. Hate it. :P

Beyonce, you made it onto both my Best Dressed and Worst Dress lists, congrats! I think that Miss B always look exquisite, she is a total beauty. But, she is also totally bootylicious, and should keep that in mind when dressing. This Stephane Rolland gown looks like it's cutting off oxygen to her brain it's so tight, and the quilted pattern doesn't flatter her at all. If I were a boy, I would not be impressed...sorry Jay, I love her too..but it's a no.

Actress or Star Trek voyager? Hmm...Kristen Bell had me wondering in this galactic-looking dress with the cut-out neck choker. Such a cute, petite girl should not be wearing such an awkward shape that does absolutely nothing for her great figure. But, maybe you don't care anymore since you're newly engaged. Congrats, by the way!

Nicole Kidman looked a little out of place at the Grammys in this black, ruffle bib-neck Prada gown. Her hubbie, however, looked chic in his shimmery suit, sans tie. Honestly, together they looked like two totally different generations...c'mon Nic, let loose a little, you're dating a country rock star!

Grammy day was a fairytale for Taylor Swift, winning the biggest honor of the night, Album Of The Year. However, her fashion choice was anything but fantastic...it sucked. The blue, glittery Kaufman Franco gown was way too much and way too old for her! I'm happy she broke away from her usual Grecian look, but this dress was the wrong way to go. But you get a pass Tay, because you're so adorable (just don't do it again!).

Fergie is usually totally Fergalicious, but on the Grammy red carpet she was anything but. There is no doubt that her body was rocking in this form-fitting, sexy Pucci mini dress, but it was all wrong. I really want her to stop all the futuristic fashion choices...on stage it's ok, off stage it's stupid. Wrong dress, wrong occasion. Repeat after me Ferg: "Imma be better at dressing myself from now on". Thanks!

Preppy Sports

One of the most recognized symbols in American sportswear is a tiny embroidered pony logo. You all know that horsie belongs to a Polo Ralph Lauren design, which has become a classic American staple. Coming from a town and then a University that lives and breathes prep, I have owned my share of RL, and truly admire the brand and everything it embodies. So, it was very exciting to learn that one of my favorite designers would be designing the uniforms that the USA athletes will wear to the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The games, held in Vancouver, begin February 12 (only 9 days away!!).

The uniforms are chic, Patriotic, and slightly retro. The outfits consist of navy puffer jackets, while tapered pants, and Fair Isle knit hats, which, according to the nymag.com's the Cut blog, were inspired by the 1932 Lake Placid Games. Fair Isle knit was back in style for this winter season, so it's great to see the trend transforming onto the heads of our nation's finest athletes.

The Bejiing game USA uniform was more tailored and military-looking, but Lauren toned it down a bit, to give the red white and blue more of a relaxed look.

"This time, (the USOC) wanted something that's a lot more sporty, technical-oriented, a little more relaxed," [Polo's Senior Vice President of advertising, marketing and corporate communications David] Lauren says.

If you too feel like getting into the spirit, or the uniform, of this year's US Olympic team, you can! The outfits are available online (the snow-scene hat is only $75!). How amazing, this is why I love Ralph so much, it's accessible and wearable. Go USA! Can't wait to see you all looking so fashionable next Friday!

Check out to full U.S. Olympic Collection!