Mardi's Madness

Oscar Changes!

2012-02-28T08:24:00.001-05:00

From the Oscar Award Ceremonies to After Parties ~ these are my favorites of the evening.

Cameron Diaz ~ From Shimmering Metallic to Simple Orange

Emma Stone ~ From Giambattista Valli to Black with Sheer

Jennifer Lopez ~ From Art Deco Zuhair Murad to Burgandy Zuhair Murad

Sarah Hyland ~ From Asymmetrical Purple to Tea-length Black

Shailene Woodley ~ From Valentino Couture to Floral Mini

Naomi Campbell ~ She's Still Got It!

2012-02-27T11:18:00.001-05:00

She said in a recent interview that she would never call herself a supermodel because she doesn't "have any superhuman powers".

But Naomi Campbell appears to be continuing to defy the aging process, as she once again took to the catwalk to close the Roberto Cavalli show in Milan Fashion Week in typically stunning style.

The 41~year~old model looked as glamorous as ever as she took to the catwalk in a plunging and backless black dress, which made the most of her incredibly toned figure.

Oscars Look~a-Like!

2012-02-27T11:09:00.000-05:00

Emma Stone's Giambattista Valli couture gown on the Academy Awards red carpet last night was more than a brave choice.

Not only was the bright cerise hue a risk for a readhead (that, incidentally, she pulls off) but the silhouette, with its statement bow at the neck is one we've seen before, as Nicole Kidman wore a remarkably similar gown to the Oscars in 2007.

Meet Spring's Flirtiest New Trend ~ The Peplum Top!

2012-02-27T10:42:00.000-05:00

Peplum skirts and dresses invaded the runway in a major way, last spring (Jil Sander, anyone?). And now, it looks like the super-flirty trend is here to stay for yet another warm-weather season — and maybe even through fall '12. Except, this time, it's coming in easier-to-wear separates, including one must-buy piece for spring '12: the mega-hot peplum top. Super simple to throw over a sleek pencil skirt or a slouchy pair of trousers, this silhouette-altering piece comes in two versions: the middle-cinching sex-kitten option and the cool, drop-waisted style that swings around your hips. Take a look at our tip-top favorites on the market right now, and pick your poison!

Petal Pusher!

2012-02-23T15:28:00.001-05:00

We know what you're thinking: Florals for spring, how revolutionary. [Insert eye roll here.] But even while shelves are filling up with ditsy-printed duds and flowery frocks — all a little bit too precious for our tastes — you actually can join the garden party without revisiting your Pre-K days. How? By giving those floral prints a heavy dose of preppy flair. Skip the floaty, ultra-femme dresses and breezy camis, and opt for crisp button-up blouses, structured bags, and slim pants, all in botanical prints. With a little structure, these pieces look fresh, modern, and equal parts sweet and sophisticated — and you can easily wear any of them for work or play. But don't take our word for it. Click through our collection of beguiling blooms and see for yourself.

Harper Beckham Sticks Tongue out at Paparazzi!

2012-02-15T14:43:00.002-05:00

The family headed out to lunch in NYC on Sunday after attending Fashion Week events. The entire family was very dressed up, and David proudly carried his daughter, Harper, past the photographers.

In a completely precious moment, Harper closed her eyes and stuck out her tongue at the paparazzi! No photos before lunch, please

Adele ~ Vogue's latest adornment.

2012-02-13T14:10:00.001-05:00

As her accolades prove, Adele is the newest and greatest one-named singer to grace the cover of Vogue's March installment and after her major sweep at last night's Grammy's, we're pretty sure this songstress will have to get used to the flashbulbs.

Shake up your Skinnies!

2012-02-09T10:01:00.000-05:00

So we have finally gotten to that place where Skinny Jeans is a staple of every woman's closet. The ubiquitousness of skinnies might have put a damper on your imagination ~ but why not shake it up! From minor new shape changes to a wash we can't get enough of, here's why the skinny jean should still reign supreme & five new ways to wear skinnies.

The Statement Piece ~ Whether splashed in a graphic photo-print or an in-your-face pattern, these statement jeans make it easy to be a fancy pants.

The Micro Cuff ~ Leave cuffing your jeans more than once to the lumberjacks. Turning up your hem just once makes an outfit just a little bit more interesting.

Vintage Redux ~ If you boil the perfect vintage jean down to its essential components, you'll end up with a mid-rise, slim-but-not-suffocating, ankle-length pair in a faded cornflower shade, which has the feel of puppy fur.

The Modern Day Audrey ~ Wear these just like Audrey did, with a cashmere sweater and some blingy earrings.

The Convertible Mini-Flare — One of the season's newest silhouettes is the mini-flare, an early '00s trend that's slowly coming back into popularity.

Getting Scented for Valentine's Day.

2012-02-03T09:15:00.001-05:00

The link between seduction and smell is as old as civilization itself. According to the story of Cleopatra, not one but two great leaders of the ancient Roman Empire fell under her spell after smelling her perfumed concoctions. So when getting ready during the month of LOVE ~ why not try out a few of my favorites which are sure to seduce, capture and steal a man's sense of smell & maybe his heart.

I am seeing Spots!

2012-02-02T09:01:00.000-05:00

Let's all agree on one thing: prints are a must for spring. Now, that we're all in accordance (that was easy), let's continue. The Polka Dot. Yes, they're back and adding a simple, feminine pattern to wardrobes. If you haven't worn anything with spots since you were in grade school, we think you should lead the way for your friends. And, even if you're already a polka fanatic, we think you'll find our mini-roundup of five dotted pieces is, well, spot-on. Here are a few of my favorite Polka Dot necessities for my closet.

Pucker UP!

2012-01-30T13:56:00.000-05:00

Here are Four new lip colors to try.

We've been seeing this deep purple color popping up in the office and all over town, and when done right, it can be a total makeup home run. Don't shy away from the dramatic look — it just might be the "new you."

When the weather's got you feeling a little bleh, smearing on a bright red lip can pull you right out of the doldrums. And, with an orange undertone, the shade's given an updated, seasonal perspective that everyone can get into.

If you're wearing a neutral or monochromatic outfit, a hot pink lip gives your look some seriously chic oomph in like... 10 seconds flat. Apply in the a.m. and wear all day, or add it on just before running out of the office, and you're set for the night.

It might feel counterintuitive to go neutral during the winter, but this clean look is really editorial and was favored by tons of designers this past runway season. Plus, it's super easy to pull off!

Black is so Back.

2012-01-26T14:30:00.000-05:00

To Mix & Match or Not!

2012-01-24T09:35:00.003-05:00

There is Salt & Chocolate. Taylor Swift & T.I. Sometimes the best combos are ones that seem like an unlikely fit - and the same goes for fashion. Here are some match-ups are begging you to let loose and try something a little crazy.

Sweat Shirts & Blush Tones

Wallpaper Florals & Leather

Spots & Spots

Iridescent Sheers & Pastels


Marled Knits & Brights

Raspberry & Plum

Nail Trends for Spring.

2012-01-22T12:19:00.001-05:00

Buckle up kids — this season's nail polishes are making their big debut and they’re the raddest of the rad. We were having a hard time choosing between all of these fresh new nail trends.

Animal Print Abuse.

2012-01-20T09:41:00.001-05:00

As mentioned before ~ I am a die hard animal print lover but I have given up purchasing any animal print for 2012.

Here is a quick do & don't to wearing animal print that I have practiced over the years.

Animal print Don't

Pick your print and stick with it. Just one print, and one piece. Leopard not only doesn’t go with zebra, it doesn’t go with other leopard either.

Start with accessories. There’s no shortage of amazing handbags, belts, pumps and bangles with just enough Animal Print to participate without over-committing.

Keep it simple. Let your Animal Print be your statement, and keep everything else simple and neutral.

Animal print Do's

Sans Free & SPF Safe.

2012-01-20T08:28:00.001-05:00

So I decided to go a few days without makeup ~ one thing that I have not forgotten was wearing SPF. My favorite is Clinique's Face Cream with an SPF of 30. As a woman of color SPF is important! Women of color are susceptible to skin cancer, skin discolorations, and, yes, sometimes black does crack.

I have gotten use to regularly applying sunscreen just as I would a moisturizer. So if you are skipping your makeup don't skip the SPF.

Grab some GAP!

2012-01-18T16:16:00.000-05:00

So I did some browsing online today and ended up on GAP.com. I am always looking & hunting for a bargain. I noticed that they had a 30% online discount as well ~ which girl turns down a discount. These are the three (3) pants that went from my wish list to my shopping cart. I can not wait to experiment with them ~ the different looks.

1969 lightweight supersoft always skinny jeans

1969 mid-weight snakeskin print legging jean


skinny moto pants

Can I have Cindy Crawford's genes?

2012-01-18T16:03:00.000-05:00

Kaia Gerber

Good genes, you know? If you have Cindy Crawford as your mother, you probably won't be going through an awkward phase when you're ten. Instead, you'll be flaunting your flawlessness as the face of Young Versace.

Meet Kaia Gerber, Cindy Crawford's ten-year-old daughter. The child model looks incredibly fresh-faced, age-appropriate, and stylish, even considering that socks-and-sandals pairing they've put her in.

Michelle Obama joins Twitter.

2012-01-18T09:36:00.000-05:00

The First Lady of the U.S.A. officially joined twitter on January 12th. Her id is @MichelleObama. I wonder it she would get more followers than @KimKardashian ~ well her marriage and her husbands stint in the White House lasted more than 72days, lets hope her presence on Twitter lasts more than 72days.

Ri Ri vs. Becks

2012-01-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

Riri's New Year Resolution clearly was not getting in shape by the summer ~ she got in shape by January. With the flagship of underwear ads Emporio Armani now signing her as a model for their line she is obviously going to give David Beckam a run for his money.

Bee is for Beyonce or rather a Fly.

2012-01-17T13:20:00.002-05:00

So maybe we're having a bit of music but admit it, there's a whole lot to envy about Beyonce: her voice from the gods, her killer body, endless stream of awards, an enviable closet, rock-steady marriage, and beautiful new baby...the list is literally endless. One thing we're not so jealous of? A breed of housefly was just named after the singer because — wait for it — it has a "glamorous golden rear end," which, if you didn't know, makes you a diva in the insect world.

Update Facebook beyond the Grave.

2012-01-16T22:47:00.001-05:00

It is not secret that most of us spend time updating our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pixable etc status. Now there is an App on Facebook which allows you to connet beyond the grave or kind of. Israeli company Willook has created the soberingly titled If I Die Facebook app. Simply install the app on your page, choose three "trustees" (i.e. people who can be relied upon to confirm your sad demise) and record — by text, image, or video — a message that will be published to your feed, upon your death. Once your trustees alert If I Die that you've left this world, the app will post your final testament to the Internet, be it a long elegy to yourself, a loving goodbye to all your friends and family, or a spectacular kiss off to all those haters out there (or all three).

Hair Extensions Hype.

2012-01-16T16:20:00.001-05:00

Hair extensions can be a wonderful thing — in moderation. They're definitely great if you need a little extra volume, or want to add some extra-length when your stylist gets a little scissor-happy. But the key to extensions is that they should look natural — ideally, you don't want anyone else to know they're there.

So many questions, so few answers. Look, we're all for experimenting with different colors, textures, and lengths, when it comes to hair, but we also don't want our locks to bear any passing resemblance to anything from the animal kingdom. But maybe that's just me?

To Beer or not to Beer.

2012-01-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

I recently had lunch with a friend and we went to a local lunch hot spot. When I was asked what I wanted to drink I decided on my usual Cranberry Juice & my friend opted for a Mixed Drink. I was a little perplexed cause it was a work day and we both had to go back to our respective office. Is it really okay to have a drink during a work day? Each company has policies about drinking on the job and some disciplinary action if caught drinking on the job. My view ~ if you have the urge to drink ~ drink water.

Happy Birthday Aaliyah!

2012-01-16T09:54:00.003-05:00

Remembering Aaliyah! The R&B world lost a young & shining star when it lost Aaliyah Dana Haughton. From her role in "Romeo must Die" to my favorite album "One in a Million". Rest in peace Angel of Music.

You are "More than a Woman".