Kara Kokoa

Alexander McQueen Laid to Rest

2010-02-26T13:08:00.003-05:00

Iconic fashion designer, Alexander McQueen was laid to rest on Thursday, in a funeral attended by the models Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss and fellow designer, Stella McCartney. The funeral was a simple, 40 minute service, held at St. Pauls church in London. McQueen's father, and his five children attended the funeral, including Jane, Alexander's sister, who was the one to identify his body. If you remember, McQueen, born Lee Alexander McQueen, was found hanged in his home on February 11th after having committed suicide. His mother, with whom he was very close had died just a week before.

After the designer's death, there was doubt as what would happen to the McQueen label. The French group, PPR, which owns the McQueen label through the Gucci Group, has ensured that the McQueen brand will continue. There is no word yet as to who will take over the helm. One thing is for sure, they will have some very big and fabulous shoes to fill.

This is the second post I am writing about suicide. It's so sad I have had some dark days in my life, but I've never contemplated killing myself. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to want to end it all, to feel like you are so utterly alone that the only way out is to take yourself out. I cannot conceive of that kind of pain. Walter Koenig, imparted some advice to those who feel like there was no way out and suicide is the only option. I am paraphrasing, but he said that they should remember that there are people who do care and who do love them and hat you they are not alone. Check on the video on TMZ I think that's some sound advice. We are all interconnected in this world. We are never truly alone.

R.I.P . Andrew Koenig

2010-02-26T11:51:00.000-05:00

Even though I think most people may have seen it coming, it was still tough to hear that Andrew Koenig, the actor who played Boner on Growing Pains and the son of Star Trek's Walter Koenig, was found dead Thursday in a Vancouver park. He apparently committed suicide. He was 41 years old. Andrew had been missing since February 14th and was said to be depressed. There were reports that in the weeks before his death, he was trying to sell most of his possessions. He eventually took to giving everything away. My heart goes out to the Koenig family. It can't be easy to cope with the death of a loved one, especially a child. My older brother died a little less that a year ago, and my mother is still devastated. . R.I.P. Boner.

Tina Fey's Vogue Cover

2010-02-15T10:23:00.027-05:00

I don't know, but I'm just not feeling Tina Fey's Vogue Cover for the March 2010 issue. I'm just a little disappointed, because it, well it really doesn't look like her. Am I wrong? See, of the many things I like about Tina Fey is that she seems really natural and real in an industry that really doesn't value that. I'm excited to see her on the cover, but then I see the cover and it looks nothing like her. Tina doesn't look like Tina, and that's what bugs me. For one thing, Vogue got rid of her facial scar (Why? Everyone knows it's there.), and about 5-7 years and about 5-7 pounds. I understand that it's Vogue, and anyone should be proud that ~~the Ice Queen~~ Anna Wintour deems them worthy to grace its pages, but sometimes I wish they would leave well enough alone. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? Tina Fey is a beautiful, smart, talented woman, with a lot more to say than a Kim Kardashian or a Lidnsay Lohan. I don't want a fantasy when I see Tina in Vogue, I want the real woman, because when I see Real Tina, I see me.

R.I.P. Alexander The Great

2010-02-11T14:36:00.003-05:00

I know I haven't posted anything in over a year, but I just wanted to voice my utter dismay and devastation over the passing of the Great Alexander McQueen. The man was a genius, a true talent. You will be missed Lee McQueen. R.I.P.

SAG Awards Red Carpet Fashion

2009-01-26T15:02:00.019-05:00

Some of the red carpet fashion from the SAG Awards last night.

Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli

Anne Hathaway inAzzaro

Christine Applegate in Emanuel Ungaro

Diane Lane in David Meister

Eva Longoria-Parker in Jenny Pakham

Evan Rachel Wood in Monique Lhullier

Kate Winslet in Narciso Rodriguez

America Ferrera in Vera Wang

Marisa Tomei in Elie Saab

Taraji P Henson in Herve Leroux

Teri Hatcher in Monique Lhullier

Viola Davis in David Meister

Images via Us Magazine

SAG Awards

2009-01-26T14:38:00.004-05:00

Last night was the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) awards, where fellow actors honor their peers. The show was aired simultaneously on TBS and TNT. I only watched for a bit, because I have kind of lost my love for awards shows. I saw some of the red carpet arrivals and I did see the beginning, where the actors told stories about how they first caught the acting bug. I really liked that. Below are the winners.

15th Annual SAG Awards Winners

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
SEAN PENN Harvey Milk "MILK"

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
MERYL STREEP Sister Aloysius Beauvier "DOUBT"

Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
HEATH LEDGER Joker "THE DARK KNIGHT"

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
KATE WINSLET Hanna Schmitz "THE READER"

Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Motion Picture
"SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE"

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
PAUL GIAMATTI John Adams "JOHN ADAMS"

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
LAURA LINNEY Abigail Adams "JOHN ADAMS"

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
HUGH LAURIE Gregory House "HOUSE"

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
SALLY FIELD Nora Walker "BROTHERS & SISTERS"

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
ALEC BALDWIN Jack Donaghy "30 ROCK"

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
TINA FEY Liz Lemon "30 ROCK"

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
"MAD MEN"

James Earl Jones was honored wit the 45th Annual Life Achievment Award.

Cutting Corners-Architectural Looks on the Spring Runways

2009-01-25T16:35:00.016-05:00

One of the daring looks on the runways for Spring is a very architectural one, based on folding and cutting and manipulating gorgeous fabrics into the most mind-blowing shapes . All this, while still making them boldly wearable.

Top to bottom
Marchesa, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Giambattista Valli, Karl Lagerfeld

Images via Style.com

That's a Wrap!

2009-01-24T13:43:00.013-05:00

Ever since Diane von Furstenberg created the wrap dress back in 1972, it has become a staple in many women's closets, including mine. A great wrap dress will enhance the good stuff, like the bust line, and minimize the stuff the not so good stuff, like a tummy or too much hip action. A great wrap dress is timeless. A great wrap dress can be whipped out of your closet for work, brunch, party... it's that versatile. Pair the dress with the right shoes and accessories and work it. Unfortunately, there are alot of bad wrap dresses out there. Inferior fabrics, and ridiculous patterns that flatter no one. Fortunately, I have found a few wraps that I absolutely adore. BB1Classic, a Houston based retailer, run by Calli and Julian Saitowitz, has an online boutique that carries very, very chic wrap dresses that I love. I'm thrilled to bring you a 15% discount on all Butter wrap dresses when you shop online.

Click on each style to shop.

The BB1 Butter Signature Wrap Jersey Dress

Comes in a variety of colors and is one size fits most. Ladies ranging from size 2-14 can wear this gorgeous dress. It can be wrapped in over 30 different styles, which makes it even more versatile that the classic wrap.

The BB1 Butter Signature Satin Dress

This gorgeous satin dress, which like the jersey dress can be wrapped in a multitude of ways, is perfect for the party. Pair with strappy stilletos.

BB1 Butter Signature Ball Gown Dress

Perfect as a bridesmaid dress or you can pair with a gold gladiator sandal for that Grecian look that is so popular on the Spring '09 runways. One size fits most.

The styles above range in price from $279 to $398. When you shop at BB1 Classic's online boutique, you will get a 15% discount on all Butter Wrap Dresses for a limited time. Please enter discount code "kara" upon checkout.

Uptown Park Location
1101-06 Uptown Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
713.395.0830

River Oaks Location
2001 West Gray,
Houston, Texas 77019
713.942.7565

And So it Begins...

2009-01-23T21:04:00.005-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

It didn't take too long for the criticism of the Obamas to begin. This particular criticism is leveled at Michelle Obama by BAA (Black Artists Association) co founder Amnau Eele, who says she is disappointed that the First Lady did not choose a black designer, Kevan Hall or Stephen Burrows to design one of her inaugural ensembles. Ms. Eele was quoted as saying “It’s fine and good if you want to be all ‘Kumbaya’ and ‘We Are the World’ by representing all different countries. But if you are going to have Isabel Toledo do the inauguration dress, and Jason Wu do the evening gown, why not have Kevan Hall, B Michael, Stephen Burrows or any of the other black designers do something too?”

I personally, think Amnau Eale's ire is misplaced, there is so much more in the U.S. to be angry about right now that what or who Michelle Obama wears on her back. It is time to move past this kind of divisive thinking and unite on more important issues like say, the economy, healthcare and joblessness. Please stop reducing this highly educated, intelligent woman to her outfits.

By the way, Ms. Eale plans to make a formal appeal to Michelle Obama's office.

Vogue Editor-In-Chief Might Be Coming to TV

2009-01-23T20:04:00.003-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

Via 60 Minutes, that is. Rumor is, that Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief at Vogue will be profiled on 60 Minutes. According to The Cut, at NY Mag.com, 60 Minutes camera crews were spotted with Wintour at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Funds awards dinner back in November, and at another event in December. Hmmm. I will be waiting with baited breath. And I'm hoping it's a comprehensive piece and not just a rumor quelling campaign by Wintour to quiet all those rumors that she is being replaced at American Vogue by French Vogue Editor-in-Chief Carine Roitfeld.

Fashion Godess- Modern Twists on Ancient Times as seen on the Spring '09 Runway

2009-01-23T17:06:00.013-05:00

Seeing the new First Lady, Michelle Obama in her white Jason Wu gown on Inauguration night, brought to mind on of my favorite looks on the Spring 2009 runways. I'm talking about the beautiful, flowy, dresses reminiscent of ancient Greece and Rome. There were the bejeweled and embellished necklines of Andrew Gn and Malandrino, or gorgeous one-shoulder numbers from Versace and Stephen Burrows. Below are the looks that distinguished themselves on the runways.

Left to right: Andrew Gn, Anne Valerie Hash, Christian Dior

Left to right: Donna Karan, Elie Saab, Halston

Left to right: John Galliano, Max Azria, Malandrino

Left to right: Monique Lhullier, Stephen Burrows, Thakoon

Left to right: Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Valentino

Runway images via Style.com

Oscar Nominations

2009-01-22T09:39:00.003-05:00

Image by FoXMuLD3R via Flickr

The nominees for the 2009 81st Academy Awards have been released and old-face is hot this year as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Brad Pitt leads with 13nominations. Sean Penn nominated for Milk was not a surprise. Neither was Brad Pitt for Benjamin Button, nor Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler. The late Heath Ledger was nominated in the Supporting Male category for The Dark Knight, which was also not surprising. Expect him to win. I won't put any money on that though, because I truly suck at predicting the Oscars. I love everyone in the Supporting Male category, so whomever wins, I'll be thrilled. I was surprised and happy to see Taraji P. Henson nominated in the supporting actress category for her turn in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. She is one of my favorite up and coming actors and I'm glad to see her work acknowledged. Brad Pitt's baby mama, Angelina Jolie, was nominated for The Changeling, so I'm hoping Meryl Streep or Kate Winslet wins. Here is a list of the more major categories.

Performance by an actor in a leading role
Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor” (Overture Films)
Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon” (Universal)
Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Josh Brolin in “Milk” (Focus Features)
Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)

Performance by an actress in a leading role
Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Angelina Jolie in “Changeling” (Universal)
Melissa Leo in “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Meryl Streep in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company)

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Amy Adams in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company)
Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Achievement in directing
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Ron Howard
“Milk” (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle

Best motion picture of the year
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), A Kennedy/Marshall Production, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
“Frost/Nixon” (Universal), A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production,Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
“Milk” (Focus Features), A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
“The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production, Nominees to be determined
“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production,Christian Colson, Producer

Go to The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the complete list of nominees.

Inauguration Fashion, Part Deux

2009-01-21T21:36:00.005-05:00

So, I talked about the good inaugural fashion in the post below, and now I would like to give special mention to an individual who took the bad fashion cake (or were they wearing it?) at yesterday's inauguration event. I'm talking about the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. She is a musical icon and she's earned the right to wear whatever, but the headgear was fug Aretha. If definitely does not deserve any R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Hats, especially big hats are a tradition in the African American community, I know, and her wearing a hat was not my issue. It was just not a good hat. It was too over the top for an occasion that wasn't about Aretha, but was about the swearing in of the President of the United States. But then again, what do I know? Apparently, Mr. Song Millinery, which designs and carries the chapeaus, is doing a ton more business, since Franklin wore it yesterday.

Inauguration Fashion

2009-01-21T14:43:00.010-05:00

First, I want to congratulate President Obama on becoming the 44th President of the United States. History in the making. I watched the inauguration on TV all day and all night yesterday and I clapped and I cried and I smiled. I was so happy. And hopeful. I have the utmost confidence in the new administration and wish them strength and wisdom to start fixing the messes that we find ourselves in at this time.

Now on to the fashion!

Michelle Obama, the new First Lady, looked lovely in this lemongrass yellow sheath with matching pashmina lined coat from Isabel Toledo, a Cuban born designer, based in New York. Toledo has been around for over 20 years. She is not a household name like and Oscar de la Renta or a Narcisco Rodriguez, but she has does have a following. Her clothing can be found at Ikram.

Michelle Obama wore a white, chiffon, one-shoulder gown by up and coming designer Jason Wu to the ten inaugural balls last night. I thought the color worked well in contrast to her dark skin. The dress itself was nice, but it made the first lady look a little boxy in my opinion. Michelle worked it though. Jason Wu, another New York designer, is also not a name that is easily recognized, but he also has quite a following and is known for his flowing designs. Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

Even though both of these designers are under the radar, they are going to be household names from today on. I am also thrilled that Mrs Obama picked two lesser known designers to wear on her inauguration events as opposed to one of the biggies. I am positive that most, if not all of the premier designers sent her sketches and dresses. She picked the underdog and that's very commendable, just like America picked the underdog in her husband Barack Obama.

And not to be outdone,

Jill Biden looked stunning in this red Reem Acra gown to the Inaugural balls. Red was her color of the day. If you were watching, she wore a gorgeous red coat with tall boots for the inauguration ceremony earlier that day. red definitely works for her.

So Sowwy

2009-01-21T14:41:00.002-05:00

I apologize for not posting in 10 days!, but I've been having some serious computer issues of late. They should be fixed now, so I can go back to posting daily. Thanks for your patience.

Kara

Winter Hair Care. How to Keep Your Tresses Happy in Winter

2009-01-11T04:23:00.019-05:00

Winter wreaks havoc on hair, let's face it. With the dry air, gusting winds and central heat, hair is stripped of its moisture. I myself, tend to get breakage in the back, where my scarf will rest. How to keep hair healthy? Well, besides common sense rules, like drinking plenty of water and giving the blow-dryer a rest, there are some products out there that might just keep your locks in good shape while waiting for spring.

Also, check out the CNN.com (via InStyle) article below for tips on how to get gorgeous hair.

SHAMPOO

Ole Henricksen Natural Hair Wash with Sea Kelp
A deep, moisturizing shampoo that uses sea kelp, kukui nut and awapuhi to cleanse without weighing hair down. It also contains plumeria and chamomile to give hair movement and shine.

Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Herbal Shampoo
This Black Vanilla Herbal Shampoo is therapeutic shampoo for dry, damaged hair. It uses natural flower extracts to deliver hardcore results.

TREATMENT

Frédéric Fekkai Protein Rx Treatment Mask
Protein Rx is ideal for dry, brittle hair that has been weakened by coloring, hair styling and straightening. It restores and reinforces hair with an exclusive soy and milk protein complex and prevents future damage.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment
This hair rejuvenator contains 100 percent Ojon palm nut oil, that improves the condition of color-treated, damaged and processed hair. It can be used as a deep conditioning treatment or as a leave in conditioner. It also has shine enhancing benefits.

STYLING

John Masters Organics Hair Pomade

A blend of beeswax, organic olive oil and pure essential oils add moisture and shine to hair. It creates subtle definition while nourishing the hair cuticle.

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Wrap and Set Mousse

Designed to hold, moisturize and give shine to hair. This product allows for smoother wrapping, waving and molding and keeps sets longer and gives hair lots of body.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2009-01-10T23:39:00.012-05:00

It's freezing here in NYC, And even though designers are showing their Spring '09 collections, it's still bundle up time where I'm from.

I love sweater dressing. And I love a sweater or cardigan that's some personality and is not the same old basic black thing. Just because it's snowing and dreary outside, that doesn't mean I have to dress that way right? Here are some of my faves.

Moschino Cheap & Chic
Wool Blend Sequined Sweater
Make this pop with some red accesories!

Sonia Rykiel
Cashmere Blend Sweater
A pencil skirt to make the birds sing!

Vivien Westwood Red Label
Oversized Cable Knit Cardigan
Pair with a wide leg trouser

Stella McCartney
Anchor Intarsia Sweater
A hot pair of jeans tucked into knee length boots.

Tiptoe Through The Tulips... Pamper Your Feet

2009-01-09T19:24:00.013-05:00

After working it in a pair of Nicholas Kirwood 5 inchers for a few hours, your poor tootsies are going to be positively screaming for attention. I've compiled a list of tootsie care products that you might just love. So sit back, relax and enjoy.

Clinica Ivo Pitanguy Body Care Legs Beauty Formula

This product rejuvenates and brightens tired, dull skin. It claims to stimulate detoxification and excess fat evacuation from the legs. It's softens the upper layers of skin, with extracts of guarana from the Amazon River Basin, to leave legs feeling smoother and invigorated.

Borghese Piedi Vitale Therapeutic Foot Creme

Borghese Piedi Vitale Therapeutic Foot Creme relieves achy, tired feet. The lightweight creme is designed to give you softer, smoother skin.

REN Revivo-Tonic Cool Comfort Leg and Foot Gel

The Revivo-Tonic Cool Comfort Leg and Foot Gel is a cooling gel for tired, swollen legs and feet. It claims to reduce the discomfort of swollen and painful legs and reduces the appearance of rough or "orange peel" skin.

Sally Hansen Just Feet Peppermint Foot Creme

The peppermint-infused creme calms, sooths and revived tired feet. It also softens dry, rough skin.

Dr. Scholl's Ultra Overnight Foot Creme

This product pampers, sooths and smooths the toughest skin on the feet. Left on overnight, the special blend of moisturizers penetrate the extra-thick skin of the feet, leaving them soft and healthy.

Bliss Softening Sock Salve

Slather Bliss Softening Sock Salve on your feet and put on a pair of booties or socks and you'l be left with the most baby-soft feet.

Love These!

2009-01-07T22:26:00.005-05:00

Nicholas Kirkwood has been in the game for a few years now, but I've just discovered him! I'm in love, with his shoes that is! He designs shoes that art, and are meant to elongate a woman's legs and make her feel sexxxy. Nicholas Kirkwood's shoes are fabulous. Nicholas Kirkwood's shoes are fierce. Nicolas Kirkwood's shoes are about 5" high.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

2009-01-06T14:22:00.013-05:00

News, news, news! 2009 is starting off just right.

Trying to be fabulous in this present economy is not an easy task. Food and shelter comes before fashion. Well, you might still be able to have your high-end cake and eat it too. Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet will be launching a Net-a-Porter outlet site, called The Outnet. Think Bluefly.com. Very reduced items for not outrageous prices. I'm excited, aren't you?
Via: NYmag

The NYC TopShop opening was delayed from last November. The wait is almost over. Topshop NYC will be opening its doors in March. There's even a rumor that gives a specific date of March 26th. Whatever the date, keep your ears open and your eyes peeled. Can't wait!

via: fashionindie.com

photo: NYmag

Scent of a Woman

2009-01-04T19:28:00.013-05:00

I love fragrance. Smell-me-goods as a friend of mine used to call it. Every woman like to smell nice. It makes her feel feminine, desirable, powerful even. Many women, like myself are loyal to maybe one or two favorite scents, but one of these new fragrances might be enough to change their minds.

BVGALRI Jasmin Noir Limited Edition

Jasmin Noir has notes of Green Sap, Gardenia Petals ,Sambac Jasmine Absolute , Precious Wood, Satiny Almond and Licorice. The limited edition bottle is a gorgeous black and gold. The cap is embedded with Swarovski crystals.

Retails for $160 for 3.4 oz.

CAROL's DAUGHTER Pearls
Pearls is the first fragrance from the Carol's Daughter Line. This Eau de Toilette has notes of Anise, Bergamont, Verbena, Apricot, Peach, Lemon, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Violet Leaves, Rose, Caramel, Musk and Vanilla. Expect more great things from Carol's Daughter.

Retails for $45 for 2.5 oz.

MARC JACOBS Daisy Eau de Parfum

Daisy is a floral scent with notes of Violet Leaves, Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Violet Leaves, Musk, Vanilla, Jasmine Petals and White Woods. Lovely black bottle with a gold daisy cap.

Retails for $72 for 1.7 oz.

KENZO KenzoAmour le Parfum

KenzoAmour is a woody fragrance with hints of incense, Amber, Patchouli, Rice Steam, Benzoni Balm, Vanilla and Fragipani Blossum. It comes in a sculptural, matte gold bottle.

Retails for $65 for 1 oz.

Supersize Me

2009-01-03T22:53:00.005-05:00

The fall/winter trend of big, crystal embedded, chunky, fabulous jewelry is right on target for me. It's high time that jewelry took some of the spotlight off shoes and bag. These are some of my faves.

From left to right;

Swarovski Flame Necklace, Swarovski Fraction Ring, Lee Angel Bella Crystal Earrings, Luc Kiffer Large Resin Bracelet, Roberto Cavalli Large Geometric Ring, Prada Swarovski Crystal Grosgrain Necklace

Put Your Best Face Forward

2009-01-02T19:03:00.005-05:00

It's a new year and it's time to put your best face forward. It's not just about the clothes, you've got to have the whole package. And that means having great skin. I, personally, don't like a complicated skin care regimen and will try to incorporate natural products whenever possible. That's not to say that I don't have some products in my cabinet with ingredients that I can't pronounce, but nowadays, I'm a little more mindful. For example, I'll use fresh aloe from the aloe plant on a breakout or other skin irritation. I'd rather prefer that than salicylic acid for sure. I have also started incorporating some organic items into my cosmetic bag. Lipstick, shadows...

So, I was super thrilled to hear about this new magazine called Organic Beauty magazine, which debuted on the newstands on December 30. Organic Beauty is a bi-monthly magazine devoted to natural, organic and eco-friendly beauty. Love it.

Put aside the creams and the scrubs for a second and let's remind ourselves about the most basic skincare rules shall we. Here are my top 3 dos and donts.

Do drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated does wonders for the skin.

Don't smoke. This should be a given, Smoking causes a multitude of health problems, like heart disease, stroke and cancer. It's also ages you before your time and make you look busted.

Do get enough sleep. I know it's easier said than done, but not getting enough sleep puts your body out of wack, including your skin.

IN THE NEWS

Allergen Inc announced last week that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dermatologic Opthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee (DODAC) voted to recomment that the FDA approve a prodict known as Latisse to treat hypotrichosis (reduced eyelash hair).

Latisse is a spinoff of Lumigan, which is a glaucoma drug. When Lumigan was used to treat patients suffering from glaucoma, they noticed some added benefits such as darker,thicker lashes. This would be the first FDA approved drug for eyelash growth if approved.

SOURCE

John Travolta's 16 Year Old Son Dies

2009-01-02T18:12:00.006-05:00

Sad news. Actor John Travolta's 16 year old son died today after suffering a seizure while the family was on vacation in the Bahamas. Travolta's only son, Jett, had a seizure around 10 am this morning. Efforts were made to revive the boy at the scene, but they were not successful. That is so awful. Tears are in my eyes right now. So young. My sympathies to the Travolta family.

Love These!

2009-01-01T21:22:00.009-05:00

I love shoppers. I carry way too much stuff and I need a bag that can hold everything. I also adore riding boots. They're so chic. Wear them with a cool pair of jeans of a fab skirt and you're set. Check out the shopper and riding boots below as well as their more affordable couterparts.

Marc Jacobs "Eve" Silver Metallic Shopper
$1350
Nordstrom

Burberry Trench Belt Riding Boot
$795
Nordstrom

Eden & Eden Silver Leather Shopper
$220
Eden & Eden

Janet & Janet
Black Patent Riding Boot
$304.90
Loris The Sole of Chicago

Kara Kokoa

Alexander McQueen Laid to Rest

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R.I.P . Andrew Koenig

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Tina Fey's Vogue Cover

R.I.P. Alexander The Great

SAG Awards Red Carpet Fashion

SAG Awards

Cutting Corners-Architectural Looks on the Spring Runways

That's a Wrap!

And So it Begins...

Vogue Editor-In-Chief Might Be Coming to TV

Fashion Godess- Modern Twists on Ancient Times as seen on the Spring '09 Runway

Oscar Nominations

Inauguration Fashion, Part Deux

Inauguration Fashion

So Sowwy

Winter Hair Care. How to Keep Your Tresses Happy in Winter

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Tiptoe Through The Tulips... Pamper Your Feet

Love These!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

Scent of a Woman

Supersize Me

Put Your Best Face Forward

John Travolta's 16 Year Old Son Dies

Love These!