Best And Worst Dressed at the 2012 Golden Globes

The 69th Annual Golden Globes were on Sunday, and the red carpet fashion was quite tame this year. We saw lots of pale pinks and grey as well as a few peacock blues. Here are my votes for the best and worst dressed at the Golden Globes. The best dress are in order of my favorites. Take a look and tell me if I missed any of your favorites!

Best Dressed:

Nicole Kidman in Versace.

I can’t remember the last time she looked so amazing! She looks like a beautiful Greek statue! This shape is stunning on her, and it seems like she has stopped getting work done, which means we can see her smiling again!

Sophia Vergara in Vera Wang.

It’s not that different of a look for Sophia, but she knows what works for her curvy body type. I loved the colour and the close up red carpet shots, the bottom of the dressed looked really beautiful.

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen.

I don’t know what was but she was glowing last night! I’m not normally a huge fan of her on the red carpet but she looks absolutely stunning here. I especially love her make up, very subtle but enough to make an impact.

Claire Danes in J. Mendel.

She was one of the first people I saw on the red carpet and I instantly loved her dress. She always opts for something pretty classic, but the back adds an edgy twist.

Salma Hayek in Gucci.

I loved the close up shots of this dress. I liked that it was a bit different from most styles that were on the red carpet. Just when you think Salma couldn’t be more beautiful she knocks one out of the park!

Charlize Theron in Dior.

At first glance I wasn’t sure about this dress, but the more and more I saw it I grew to love it. I also loved her hair and make up. It completes the overall look perfectly.

Worst Dressed:

Most people on the red carpet played it pretty safe and looked beautiful, but unfortunately there was 2 people that didn’t quite do it for me. Here are my picks for worst dressed;

Zooey Deschanel in Prada.

I hate to say this, because I am a huge fan of Zooey’s but this dress was not flattering on her petite frame, and her hair…yikes. You can’t really tell in this photo, but in some angles, one of her layers looked like side burns…not a look you want to go for. On a brighter note, her make up looked amazing!

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace.

When she first hit the red carpet I didn’t mind this dress, but as the night grew on she looked uncomfortable and cold. The fabric of this dress cheapened it to me, and I did not like how thin she looked last night.

 

Did you enjoy the awards last night? I felt Ricky Gervais was quite safe last night…there was a few good one liners from Seth Rogan and Meryl Streep! I’m glad The Artist won a few awards, it was a great film. Michelle Williams did a great job in My Week With Marilyn so she deserved the win, even though I’m not sure why it that film was categorized as a comedy/musical…The Golden Golbes are usually a hint as to what we will see at the Oscars, so it should be interesting to see if a few of the same people bring home the win!


How To Accentuate Asian Eyes

Jeannie Mai has some amazing tutorials on YouTube, but this one stood out to me and thought I should post it.

I’ve been asked lots of questions on how to apply do eyeshadow to Asian eyes, this video has some great basic tips on how to accentuate them!

If you aren’t going out on the town, I wouldn’t recommend her “drag queen” lashes. What you can do for everyday is; curl the lashes you have OR if you want more length and volume, purchase a shorter pair, like MAC’s 1 Lash.


Get the Look: Lea Michele in Allure Magazine

Doing her best to channel the sexy ladies of the 1960′s, Glee star Lea Michele is owning the cover of Allure! She looks absolutely stunning! Dare I say, the best we’ve ever seen her?

Do you love Lea’s look? Want to create it at home yourself? Here are a few tips:

-Fill in your brows, no sexy eye is complete without a nice thick brow

-Find a good waterproof liquid or cream liner. Something that has a small pointed brush. Start your liner at the middle of the eyelid, go until just about the end of the lid, then open you eyes and use the angle of your lower lid as to were to finish the cat eye. Then go back and finish the line towards the tear duct. To find the best angle for that cat eye, take the wand of your brush and hold it diagonally against your lower lash line to meet with the outer edge of your brow. Check out a great tutorial here.

-Go for a nude lip. With such dramatic eyes, a nude lip is best.

-Curl large sections of your hair with a small barrel curling iron, do a light hairspray, then comb it out with a natural bristle brush. To avoid an overly fizzy style, finish off the look with some shine serum or mist.

This should finish off your look, so you too can be the next Sophia Loren!


Kate Bosworth Wearing Proenza Schouler at the CFDA Fashion Fund Party

Kate Bosworth made an appearance at the CFDA Fashion Fund party and looks stunning. The Straw Dogs star attend the event with her director boyfriend, Michael Polish. Kate is wearing a skirt and top from Proenza Schouler’s Spring 2012 collection. Head to toe she looks killer; from her hair, to her make up and shoes this creates an amazing outfit! This is somewhat of a fashion forward choice that we at Black Is The New Black LOVE…what do you think of this look?


What’s In My Purse?

I’ve seen a few pictures online of people revealing what is inside their purse or pockets, so I thought I would be vulnerable and show the deep dark corners of my purse!

Most of my purse contents are self-explanatory but there are a few things I’d like to mention:

Band-Aid’s are a must have in my purse. I like to wear cute shoes, which doesn’t always equal comfort, so Band-Aid’s are a life saver!

Sephora Blotting Papers are amazing. Shiny nose no more!

Two of my favorite drug store brand lip glosses, Rimmel and L’Oréal Paris are staples in my purse. I feel naked without lip gloss on! And my secret tip: L’Oréal’s Color Juice is just like Lancômbe Jucy Tubes, but only $9!

A comb is critical for any lady with bangs, it helps them from looking greasy and separating. Plus, you never know when you’re gonna need a last-minute touch up!

So what is hiding in the deep dark corners of your purse? Would you be brave enough to show us?


Fall Color Trend: Dark Teal

The best thing about dark teal is that ANY skin tone can wear it. Its probably one of the most universally flattering colors. Wearing dark teal eyeshadow or liner also is very flattering on brown eyes. Pair dark teal with black, gray, cream, and purples for a fun fall look!

 


 

 


Make Up Bag Essentials

Whenever the topic of fashion comes up with friends I always get asked what make up I am using or how did you do your eyeliner, or what concealer do you recommend? Maybe my friends know that I am addicted to Sephora? Or maybe they know I enjoy being make-up guinea pig ? Life gets boring if you never try anything new!

This post is for those who feel overwhelmed when heading into the cosmetics section. I will break down the basic Make Up Bag Essentials. These are your must haves!

Step 1- Moisturizer:

The most important step- you need a get good moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. It’s the base for your make up, and helps it glide on that much easier. I would highly recommend taking a browse through Sephora, because they nicely categorize all their skin care according to skin type. If you are unsure what would suit you best, then ask one of the sales associates. Sephora has very knowledgeable staff and if you’re not sure where to start they will offer you FREE SAMPLES!! Who doesn’t love a free sample?

Rachele’s Favorites:

Korres 24 Hour Mosture Brighening Cream, $35 at SephoraClinique Dramatically Different Lotion $24.50 at Sephora or The Bay

Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer, $9 at most drugstores.

Step 2- Concealer:

Concealer can save your from revealing to the world that you were up all night watching re-runs of Sex In The City while eating a tub of ice cream! Puffy eyes much? You’re not alone, no one has perfect skin, everyone has dark circles, black heads, pimples and uneven skin tone- yes everyone! When purchasing a concealer you want to look for something oil-free that wont clog your pores. Also, if you are feeling daring you can get 3 different colours; a shade darker than your skin tone to detract light, a shade lighter to attract light, and one that perfectly matches your skin for those “zit days.” I like putting a shade darker under my eyes, and use a lighter shade as a highlighter on my brow bone. They key is not to put it on to heavy. No layering of the concealer. If you have a good foundation, you do not need to cake this stuff on!

Rachele’s Favorites:

Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing $19 at Sephora or Shoppers Drug Mart

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat $40 at Sephora And Holt Renfrew

Make Up Forever Camouflage Cream Palette, $36 at Sephora

Step 3- Foundation

Personally I enjoy a mixed power/foundation formula. It looks like a powder but covers like foundation. This stuff will save you time, goes on light and still gives great coverage. If you use this formula you DO NOT need liquid foundation. However, if you want to cover wrinkles or if you have some skin discoloration, I’d recommend using a liquid foundation. My tip to you, make sure you purchase your foundation from a store that will allow refunds. It’s great to take your new product home, try it in your lighting at home and the lighting outside. Your face HAS TO MATCH your neck. Foundation is not meant to be used as self tanner! If you get darker in summer, and lighter in winter PLEASE switch your foundation!

Rachele’s Favorites:

Make Up Forever Duo Mat Powder Foundation, $32 at Sephora

Cover FX Mineral Powder Foundation, $35 at Sephora or Shoppers Drug Mart

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, $26 at MAC locations or The Bay.

Make Up Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation, $40 at Sephora

Sephora Collection Perfecting Cover Foundation, $22 at Sephora

Step 4- Blush:

Even if you naturally have a flushed skin tone, its good to have something to use as a contour and if you are using a good foundation, it will take away redness. You know the trick of smiling to emphasize your cheekbones then dotting blush on the apples of your cheeks? It really works! Make sure again you are working with your skin tone. If you look best in browns, or fall colours you will most likely have a warm skin tone and will look best in peachy blushes. If you look great in blues, and purples you probably have a cool skin tone; you will look best in a pink based blush. It is possible that you look great in both, and if so you have a neutral tone, and you can rock whichever colour blush looks best with your hair colour.

Liquid or cream blushes work best with powder foundation, and should be applied BEFORE powder. I have a fair skin tone so I personally like this method because my blush lasts throughout the day.

If you prefer a powder blush, apply AFTER foundation either power or liquid foundation.

Rachele’s Favorites:

Make Up Forever HD Blush, $25 at Sephora

NARS blush, $27 at Sephora or Holt Renfew

Benefit Cosmetics Feeling Cheeky! $15 at Sephora or Shoppers Drug Mart

Step 5- Mascara:

Mascara is the best way to highlight your eyes. Eyes are the one feature on your face that others look at most, so we should always make time for a little mascara. I’ve tried quite a few brands in my time, and found that I like a voluminous look, with no clumping and that wont irritate my eyes. If you have light hair you should be using a light black or black/brown shade, if you have dark hair use the darkest shade of black. When applying, make sure your eyes are open and apply to all the lashes working from the outside in. I recommend using the tip of the brush for the inner lashes and the bottom lashes. Avoid putting mascara on the side of the lashes closest to the eyelid, this can often lead to smudging or mascara that looks too heavy.

Rachele’s Favorites:

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash, $22 at Sephora

Cover Girl Last Blast Fusion, $8 at most drugstores.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! $19 at Sephora

Step 6- Lip Gloss:

Some might argue that this step is unnecessary but I beg to differ. Just like you moisturize your skin, you should moisturize your lips. Lips can get wrinkly and dry too! I recommend a clear gloss for everyday use and a colour gloss that works with the shade of your blush. Again, I have tried A LOT of brands of lip gloss and prefer something that smells good and has a slight plumper.

Rachele’s Favorites:

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish, $18 at Sephora

Mentha 2X Supreme Lip Shine, $8 at Bath and Body Works

MAC Lipgelée, $14.50 at MAC locations or at The Bay

Bonus Steps:

If you wanting to do something a little extra feel free to add some eye liner, eye shadow and bronzer. If you are going to add anything other than mascara to your eyes I’d highly recommend using a primer as a base to the eyelid. It helps everything stay in place and not rub off throughout the day.

Bronzer is great to contour the cheeks and give some colour for those who don’t live in warm climates year round! It’s the safe way to tan! Just apply a small amount on the places on your face that would get the most sun: the apples of your cheeks, on the nose, a bit on the chin and a bit on the brow line. DO NOT go overboard with the bronzer- start off light and then check how it looks in natural lighting. If you think you can use more than go for it, but usually one swipe is enough!

Last but not least, have fun with your make up! Experiment with colours! Once you get used to these 6 basic steps it should take you only about 10 minutes to apply!

If you have any further questions feel free to ask.


Worst Dressed At The 2011 Oscar’s

Unfortunately this was a much easier list to compile. Some interesting choices by some Best Dressed List regulars which came as quite a surprise. Here is who made the worst dressed list:

Yes, I am surprised as you that Nicole Kidman made this list, she usually looks stunning, but this Dior Couture number looked awkward and ill fitting. On a brighter note- her make up looked great and her hubby,Keith Urban looked handsome!

Another big shocker- Reese Witherspoon! She is normally adorable but this just looks like a dated 90′s look that her character in Legally Blond would wear. What is with that hairpiece?!

Best Supporting Actress winner, Melissa Leo decided to show up in a shiny doily. Not the most flattering fabric or shape. Absolutely LOVED her acceptance speech though!

It pains me to put Cate Blanchett on this list because normally she can do no wrong in my eyes. She always takes a bolder choice, but this one just didn’t work for me. I just don’t get it at all.

And the worst of the worst goes to:

Oh boy, Marisa Tomei in this dress just was a big NO. She is normally such a babe! Did you see her last year? What happened?! This dress just looks like a cheap home-made prom dress. Not a fan of the greasy parted hair either. Wonder what her stylist was thinking?


What a babe!

How are you feeling Emma Stone’s new blond locks? She’s still the funny awkward chick from Easy A- but now she has got from girl next door to hottest on the block! I’m loving the new look- and I especially love her make-up here. What do you think?


Dior’s Lady Grey London

What a beautiful short that was filled for Dior. Starring the gorgeous Marion Cotillard and the super talented Ian McKellen.

As I was captivity watching it I couldn’t help but hear a familiar voice in the soundtrack. Our favorite quirky Canadian singer/songwriter/producer Hawksley Workman! This is quite a step for him!

Enjoy

(Maybe John Galliano will pull a Tom Ford and sit in the directors chair for full length film?)


Cute Couple Alert!!

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.


Styling A Wedding

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:


Plastic-Pandemic?

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.

 


SEPHORA IS OPENING!!!!

If you love makeup, hair products, skin solutions and girly/manly bath things then you will think you have died and gone to heaven once you set foot into SEPHORA. If you haven’t been to one in the U.S or Toronto yet,  it is a plethora of different brands (from Dior to Too Faced to OPI etc…)  and the sales associates are not bias to one brand- they really do tell you what is the best of the best!

The downtown store (Pacific Centre) and Coquitlam Centre are opening on JULY 10!! Mark your calendars, there is sure to be some crazy gate crasher sales!!

The Metrotown store is set to open in Fall (along with FOREVER 21!!) yay!


Anyone can wear red lipstick!

In case you haven’t noticed yet- come every fall everyone starts to wear red lipstick again. Have you always been intimidated by the bold red lip? I know I was. I thought I had to be platinum blond like Gwen Stephani to be able to pull it off. Turns out you just need to find your right shade! Even redhead’s like me can do it!

If you have a cool skin tone, you will look best in purple or blue based reds; like berry, plum, and cherry reds.

If you have a warm skin tone, you will look best in orange or gloden shades; like poppy, coral and rust.

Naturally if you are a brunette or a blond you can also get away with wearing more shades of red. But redheads, don’t fret! The same rule applies of warm and cool when finding the right shade. You also want to consider if your shade of red hair is warm or cool as well.

**Tips for holding your red lips in place**

- Start with clean dry lips and put a light layer of foundation on your lips as your base

- Only do up to 2 layers of lipstick, but blot your fist layer between tissue to make it matte, then apply your final coat

- Avoid putting any gloss on top

- Make an “o” with your lips and put your finger through, this will take off the the excess that can embarrassingly end up on your teeth!

- Matte shades stay on longer the shiny or glossy shades

- Don’t be afraid to re-apply throughout the night

-If you wont have time to re-apply, invest in a lip stain, instead of a lipstick

This product will be your best friend. It’s called She Laq by Benefit. It’s a make up sealer that holds in your mascara, eyeshadow or lipstick! You can now find most Benefit products at Shoppers Drug Mart or Sephora.


Make Up Tip of the Week

Tired of looking tired? Aren’t we all…

Well here is an easy way to brighten up your eyes. Try using BLUE MASCARA. It makes the whites of your eyes look whiter and works great with any eye color. If you are unsure about going blue all the way, layer it on top of your regular black mascara.



Make Up Tip of the Week

In summer its all about the skin. Keep things light and save the foundation for summer. I love Sudio Fix by Mac. Its lightweight but still gives your coverage.

I would also opt out of the pink/plum blush colors and go for a more tanned look. Try brushing on bronzer like the letter ‘C’ from your temple to your cheekbone. I will give you cheek bones great definition. Then add a light dusting on all the places you would normally get tanned. (your brow bone, nose, chin etc…) If you have naturally oily skin, opt for a matte bronzer, and for a fresh glow us bronzer with a little sparkle!


Make-up TIP OF THE WEEK!

Want CURLY lashes? No satisfied with what your old lash curler is doing for you anymore?

Here is my little secret that I just found out…

To get the curliest lashes, HEAT your lash curler with your blow dryer for about 10-20 seconds, squeeze your lashes and hold for about 10 seconds. Its like a curling iron for your lashes! But, make sure you do this on CLEAN lashes, otherwise you might get a goopy mess from your mascara!


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