Summer is here and I know everyone is wondering what the best lotions and potions are to keep your legs looking and feeling sexy, soft and smooth right? I have the secret! BABY OIL! The trick, right before you’re about to  shave your legs, slather on some oil. It helps lock in the moisture, and gives you a smooth shave. You can find baby oil at any drug store for around $3. Try it! It works!

Have any other great beauty tips you want to share? Feel free to leave a comment- Black is the New Black would love to hear them!

It looks like Gossip Girl is starting to film season 4 and they are in France. I’m so excited for their September 13 debut! The finale of season 3 was the best episode of the entire season and it left us all hanging!

Upon coming across these shots of Blake Lively (Serena) and Leighton Meester (Blair) I couldn’t help but think;  is Gossip Girl the new Sex and the City? As far as fashion goes these shots TOTALLY remind us of Carrie and Charlotte.  Maybe subconsciously Gossip Girl has been filling the void where Sex and the City used to be.

As I am writing this I’m starting to think of some of the similarities between the two:

-Main character has beautiful long blond hair. (Serena vs Carrie)

-They film in New York.

-They wear designer fashion, even to bed.

-We have the uppity best friend whose style always leans to a 1950′s housewife. (Blair vs Charlotte)

-The ladies switch boyfriends faster than we can count.

-We always know deep down the blond is going to end up with the mysterious tall handsome brunette man. (Serena + Dan vs  Carrie + Mr Big)

And these are just the few that I can think of off the top of my head. I’m sure there is plenty more! Anyway, here are some of the stills from the first episode:

Ever since watching the movie Alfie, which has  Sienna Miller starring alongside Jude Law, I was memorized by her and her taste in fashion. She had this bohemian/rocker/girly style down to a T. Alfie is such a great movie with brilliant mens and womens wardrobe styling. Then she wen to go on and do Factory Girl, where she goes on to play Andy Warhol’s muse and 60′s “it girl” Edie Sedgwick.  I’ve always secretly wished I lived through the 60′s…so I tried to live vicariously through her in that movie too. Sienna Miller has also has success as a fashion designer along side her sister with their line Twenty8Twelve. So needless to say, whenever I see gossip mags with her in it I’m always checking out her latest looks. Who is your celebrity style inspiration?

Here is the trailer from Alfie:

Here is Factory Girl:

Honorable mention to some other great fashion inspirations are: Cate Blanchett, Diane Kruger, and Rachel Bilson.

Well this is a change from the regular sexy-scantily clad ads that D&G usually has! I must say its a welcomed change on my part. I love the ad. Super cute. The only thing I’m on the fence about is the boots…but I can live with them because it makes sense for the ad. What do you think?

Ok how cute are Diane Kruger (Inglorious Basterd’s) and Joshua Jackson (Dawson’s Creek, Fringe) these days? Have you seen them around lately? I must mention that Diane is her own stylist, make-up artist and hairstylist as well as Josh’s, which gives gives her even more bonus points in my eyes!

They first got on my radar at the MET Ball:

Look at how dapper Josh is! And Diane is elegant in white Calvin Klein.

Then the appeared at Karl Lagerfeld’s film presentation party doing some lawn bowling and looking classy, fresh and like they were having fun!

Loving Josh’s rolled up pants and Diane’s high-waisted skirt with the fedora and side braid.

More recently they were seen at the Chanel Cruise line presentation:

Here they are heading on to a flight. seriously, could they get any cuter?

There is such an ease to their style- which is what makes it work. MEN take note- Josh is someone to get fashion inispiration from- he is ON POINT with men’s fashion right now.

Local to me is British Columbia, Canada. We have great music here- some of which you may or may not have heard of before. Here my personal favorite 10 local artists, with their next show listed under their video. Which artists do you love? Seen any good local shows lately? Which ones?

Hannah Georgas, playing May 22nd at Venue in Vancouver.

Mother Mother, playing June 9th at Element Nightclub in Victoria.

The Fugitives, playing May 26 at The Biltmore in Vancouver.

Adaline, playing on CBC Radio on May 28th.

The Zolas, playing May 6th at St James Hall in Vancouver.

Bend Sinister, currently touring in the East.

Dan Mangan, playing May 8th at The Vogue in Vancouver. (SOLD OUT)

Jon and Roy, playing May 15th at The Legion in Tofino.

Nat Jay, playing May 25th at The Biltmore in Vancouver.

We are the City, playing May 21st at St. James Hall in Vancouver.

Here are some ads that have inspired me for Spring/Summer 2010.

Top trends that I am loving this summer:

-Nudes and neutral colors

-Mixing denim

-Light bottoms, whether jeans or skirts

-Chambray, linen and ticking fabrics

-Grey and brown bags and shoes

-Ripped jeans

-Lace baby-doll tops

-Lots of floral print

-Tucked in shirts

-Statement shoes

-Rolled jeans

-Cross-body purses

-Ankle cropped pants

So for summer I have decided to try to not wear (as much) black. Yes, I know what you’re thinking; “But isn’t her blog called Back is the New Black?” I will always have black as a go-to but I wanted to challenge myself this spring/summer.

I’m loving the new neutral tones and pastels. It’s so light and so fresh! I am in LOVE with the colors blush and minty-sage.

Here is me, on an April day in Vancouver:

Great friends of mine, Kristin and Matt, got married on April 3, 2010 and I helped them a bunch with their wedding.

Kristin had been living in Korea teaching English in an elementary school for 1 year and wasn’t in Vancouver up until about 3 1/2 weeks before her wedding. Matt was also away in Honduras teaching kids and building schools up until about 7 DAYS before the wedding!

Needless to say- they needed a correspondent who was in the city where they were getting married! I jumped at the opportunity, because Kristin was one of my first friends when me and my husband moved here 4 1/2 years ago. I helped wherever she needed, looking at venues…tips on centerpieces etc… but what I really take pride in is styling both Kristin and Matt head to toe for their big day! Since Kristin was unable to try dresses on I had to really know what would look great on her body type- and with Matt only having 1 day to shop- we had to think fast! Here is a candid picture of the two of them:

They looked both ended up looking great, relaxed, and had fun on their big day! I had lots of fun helping them out–maybe I should go into wedding planning? hmm… haha!

Here is one shot from the photographers web site:

Let me just say first and foremost, everyone looked stunning tonight! I had such a hard time picking my WORST dressed! But there were a few! So with that being said, I will give you my short list of who didn’t quite make the mark.

4. Charlize Theron in Dior Couture:

The flower chest is just distracting. Its all you can look at. Not her best look. I love that she is always daring with her dresses, but this is just an overall flop.

3. Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Couture:

You know when I first saw the beautiful Zoe,  it was a close up, so I just saw the top half of the dress and LOVED it, then she came out to present I didn’t know what to think! It looks like two different dresses. She is young, and so she can “almost” pull it off, but I do feel it overwhelms her tiny frame.

2. Nicole Richie in Reek Acra:

I do love the colors in this dress, but I think it just too covered up. I think if this dress had a plunging neckline on her it would have made my best dressed list, but because of the boat neck, long sleeves and train its just blah…

1. Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel Couture:

Ok Sarah- I love you! Chanel I love you! What went wrong?! Well I let me tell you- that weird  necklace/strap thing should have come off as a ribbon around her waist. I’m DYING for some shape to this. Its just not flattering at all…not to mention her hair. Just overall a BAD look.

NOW for our best dressed…I usually I try to narrow it down to 5, but I just can’t! Too many I loved of the night, so lets see how many I end up with!

Starting with the BEST of the BEST, 1. Demi Moore in Versace:

LOVE LOVE LOVE the color. She looks amazing. I wish I owned this dress!!

2. Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab:

The pattern on this dress is beautiful, the color is stunning on her and she shape is A+.

3. Sandra Bullock in Marchesa

Love this on her! It fits her figure beautifully and the sparkle just makes her shine even more then she already does! Congrats on best actress!

4. Anna Kendrick in Elle Saab:

So nude is my new favorite color. This dress so so feminine! I love the little bit of lace in the slit, its a such a pretty detail.

5. Carey Mulligan in Prada:

Cute and classic, looks great on her!

6. Diane Kruger  in Chanel Couture:

Its different and unique but very Chanel. She shape suites her small frame beautifully and I am always a huge fan of cream and black.

7. Queen Latifah

The shape and fit is stunning on her! I love how it accentuates her curves beautifully.

So after all my picks, did I miss any? Who looked best and worst to you?

Sandra- I love you to bits. Your one of my faves for sure, but sometimes I wonder if you really do have a stylist? I know you seem  more like the jeans and t-shirts kinda gal, but with awards season going on and you nominated a ton for The Blind Side, (which was awesome btw) please just take a second look in the mirror before you head out in this:

The only plus of this outfit is her shoes. They rock. But the dress, is it vintage 1993?  The skirt isn’t too flattering in her curvy figure and the sashes on the arms are just weird. All I can look at is her shoulders–which I guess is good because then I don’t notice the horrible embroidery on the waist….Sandra I know you can do better!!! I’ve seen it! Check this out:

Now this is what I call a dress. 10+ from me. Everything about this is just stunning. The color, she shape, her hair…top notch for sure.  And not to mention her makeup-I wish I had her dewy skin! We’d like to see more of THIS look Sandra…Lets wait and see what she has in store for The Oscars on March 7, 2010.

One of my all time favorites, Kate Winslet,  (at the BAFTA’s) always manages to  look classically stunning. This Stella McCartney dress is absolutely amazing on her! Curvy girls take notes! It hugs in the right places, she is showing skin but still classy, and she accentuated the smallest part of her waist.  Even the security guard is checking her out! VA VA VOOM!

We just heard about the death of his mother last week and now yesterday, Alexander McQueen, 40, was found dead his apartment. He committed suicide. Its so sad when you hear that such a genius has passed. He has won British Designer of the Year 4 times is his career.

Our thoughts are with family and friends. This is such a tragedy and McQueen with never be forgotten.

They are so beautiful. I think I’m dying inside because they are $347USD. Sigh…

Two looks from recent Rachel McAdams that I am on the fence about. Not too sure how I feel about them.

So what do you think of her look for the premier of  Sherlock Holmes?  I love her dress–I’m just not sure about the make-up and hair- its a bit strong for her.

Apparently Anna Wintour thinks she’s going to be something special with Sherlock Holmes coming out–cause she’s not exactly the caliber of actress they have been featuring on the covers lately; unless Anna ran out of celebs to feature since that’s all that has been happening lately. (BRING BACK THE REAL MODELS!)

Again- make up and hair is SUPER harsh. And what is that dot on the side of her face?? I don’t recall seeing a mole there before… Plus pink lips red skirt…hmmm….I would have opted for something a bit more neutral, cause of all the color on her top and skirt.

I must admit–I am looking forward to seeing the movie though. Will you check it out?

Hey friends! I just wanted you to know of a new company I have started. The full web site is still under construction, but I am offering a limited time offer on CHRISTMAS SPECIALS- that means 50% off a few of my services:

Personal Shopping:

(You get to shop with a pro! I will help you find exactly what you’ve been looking for)

$100 for 2 hrs

$150 for 3 hrs

$300 for a full day. Price includes lunch. ( 10am until 5 pm)

Event Shopping:

(we look for the perfect one outfit for New Years … Christmas…your birthday…a date…)

$100 max 3 hrs

Consultation:

( we sit down and work out styles that will work for your body type and colors that will look good on your skin tone)

$50 for aprox 1 hr

Full Wardrobe Cleanse:

(We spend the morning in your closet, sorting out styles that work and styles that don’t. In the afternoon we go shopping for the missing pieces)

$400 for the day (9am to 5pm)

*Each service includes a complimentary 1/2 hr consultation

**All prices listed are already discounted

***Each service is available for men or women

**** 50% off expires December 21, 2009

You can follow me on twitter at mod_hawk.

Thanks for all your support.

If you have any questions please email me: rachele@modhawk.ca


Its sad, it really is, look at the girls from The Hills reality show. They have changed their faces SO much, and why? Each one of these girls looked much better before! Plus they are all under 25…I’m wonder what they will look like at 45?

Heidi Montag-Pratt

Stephanie Pratt (sorta looking like Aubrey O’day now??)

Audrina Patridge

Girls, if you’re reading this and thinking of getting work done- think twice- buy some lip plumping gloss, get your teeth whitened and go to Sephora for a make-up lesson. They can show you how to enhance your eyes, make your nose look smaller or bring out your cheekbones.  Its all natural and it always looks best to age naturally.

 

Christina Aguilera or Taylor Momsen?? I can hardly tell them apart now?

Who would guess that one is 29 and the other is 16?!

NINE

Posted: November 13, 2009 by rachelekehler in Entertainment
Tags: , , , , , ,

Ok, I will be the first to admit- this preview gives me goosebumps. Dare I say its the next best thing since Moulin Rouge? Dying to see it! Nine comes out Dec. 25th.

You can get one of the hottest trends out there right now, and it shouldn’t cost you any more then $15.  Look for opaque tights! Have fun with color, texture and pattern to instantly update your favorite dresses and skirts.

I love wearing my colored tights when you least expect them- they look great with a monochromatic look or you could accent the color on your legs with your purse, or scarf. They also look really hot with a strappy or peep toe shoe. And if you’re scared of color- just rock the black tights! Any age can do this!!

Pattern tights are lots of fun too. I’m not talking about boring old fishnets- I’m talking rose patterned, paisley patterned, you name it- its fun! And if you’re worried it looks to crazy on your legs, just show a hit of pattern or color by wearing your dress or skirt with boots! Its a great way to ease into this fashion trend.

Here is a pic of me and my friend Krista rocking both colored opaque tights and flower textured tights.

So ladies- throw out your sheers!!! They are SO 3 years ago!! Plus, these styles will keep your legs so much warmer!!