The Cut

Jersey Shore’s Snooki Looks Lovely Without Makeup

Sharon Clott — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:15:00 GMT

Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi without makeup.

The Jersey Shore crew have so much to offer us in the world of beauty. First it was Pauly D and his magical 25-minute process of creating a gel-infused blowout. And now Seaside Heights princess Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi opened up about her makeup secrets to In Touch Weekly. The magazine stripped the 22-year-old of all her makeup for an exclusive shoot, and underneath all the bronzer, eyeliner, and poufs, she actually looks quite lovely.

But — and there's always a but — the too-tanned, overhairsprayed, over-the-top look is part of her personality, and there's something missing from Snooki when it's not there. She admits that if it weren't for the show, she'd want to be a makeup artist. She also says that her favorite products are by Avon, partly because her mom sells them and partly because they don't "drip down her face" when she's bumping and grinding at clubs like Headliners and Karma.

This brings up an interesting point about what it means to wear makeup. For some people, it's an extension of their individuality. In college, we were friends with our own little Snooki. She grew up in Seaside Heights — seriously — and in the four years we knew her, we never saw her take off her mascara once. Instead, she piled on fresh clumps daily and separated the lashes one by one, a process that took over an hour, and that's not counting the rest of the makeup she layered on, which included three different bronzers and two eyeliners. We never thought anyone could top that. But Snooki can! It takes her three hours to get ready. You probably know people like this, too. What crosses the line as too much? And is it okay because it makes them feel good?

In Touch Exclusive: Jersey Shore's Snooki goes all-natural [In Touch Weekly]

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Filed Under: pouf!, beauty, hair, jersey shore, makeup, snooki

Leighton Meester Is Missing Pieces of Her Little Black Dress

Sharon Clott — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:30:00 GMT

Leighton Meester wore a black dress from Christopher Kane's spring 2009 collection to the opening of Klutch nightclub in Miami, Florida, last night. It featured a line of cut-outs down the center, a trend that seems to be sticking around.

Do you feel comfortable wearing clothes that expose random parts of your body?

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Filed Under: look of the day, leighton meester

The Stylist Influenced by the City

Amina Akhtar — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:45:00 GMT

Charles Shipley is influenced by the dark, edgy, and fun city, and thus, he's wearing lots of black. He also wears whatever he wants: "I wanted to wear this Missoni sweater and I was like, you know what, let me find something to wear with it. And I just put on all black." His jacket is by Henrik Vibskov, gloves are Costume National, and his boots are Cesare Paciotti. Find out what else he's wearing by watching the video.

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Filed Under: video look book, jonah green, video

Taylor Swift’s Eye-Makeup Tips; Hugo Boss Plants Trees for Fragrance Sales

Sharon Clott — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Taylor Swift.

MAKEUP
• What can we learn from Taylor Swift's makeup choices this year? One thing: That a "V" of light shadow in the inner corners of your eyes makes your eyes look more open and awake. [Glamour]

FRAGRANCE
• Hugo Boss is launching a new humanitarian effort with the French environmental organization named the Pur Project. For every bottle sold of the special-edition Hugo Element and Hugo Man fragrances, the organization will plant a tree in Peru's rain forest. [WWD]

• Beyoncé's 30-second commercial for her first fragrance, named Heat, is out. It is pretty much the same as the original teaser commercial released a few weeks ago, only nineteen seconds longer, in case you need to see more images of BK writhing against a wall in a red dress. [Now Smell This]

• Researchers identified a scent that can make fruit flies angry: "For the first time, scientists have found a rage-inducing pheromone and the neuron that detects it in fruit flies. The research, detailed in the journal Nature, could help explain everything from bar fights to species-wide population control." [MSNBC]

HAIR
• Do you think blow-drying your own hair when you get your hair done is tacky? Or is it okay? [BellaSugar]

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Filed Under: beauty marks, beauty, beyonce, fragrance, hair, hugo boss, makeup, pheremones, taylor swift

Maurie and Eve’s Rock-Inspired Garb Is Inspired by Old-School Romance

Lauren Murrow — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:15:00 GMT

Australian designer Kelly Davies has an unlikely muse for her unapologetically sexy line: her grandparents, Maurice and Evelyn Williams, who were married for more than 56 years. When the pair passed away in 2001, Evelyn left her Singer sewing machine to Kelly. Kelly then founded her fashion label, Maurie and Eve, in their memory in early 2002. Though the namesake couple met and fell in love in the forties, Davies's clothing projects a modern, hard-edged vibe, featuring leather detailing, a liberal smattering of fringe and sequins, cut-outs, thigh-grazing hems, and plunging necklines. Since its modest beginnings, the label has earned a following throughout Australia and New Zealand. Two years ago, Davies recruited her brother, Scott, and his girlfriend, Maya Clemmensen, to help expand the business and pitch in on the design front (the trio renamed the label Maurie and Eve Platinum). The line is now carried at more than 50 locations throughout Australia, Europe, Asia, and the United States. In New York, you can find select items from the spring collection at internationally minded Nolita boutique Babel Fair, and Oak stocks the label's killer pair of wood-heeled platform motorcycle boots, new this winter. Click ahead to scope out rock-inspired pieces from the spring and summer collections.

Karl Lagerfeld Heads to Argentina for Chanel’s Spring Campaign

Sharon Clott — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Baptiste and Freja for Chanel spring 2010.

Back in October, Karl Lagerfeld transplanted the barnyard playground he created for the spring 2010 Chanel runway to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to shoot the season's campaign. Now the shots have been released, and they star his favorite faces: Baptiste Giabiconi (who wears a very Karl-inspired ponytail and ruffled shirt) poses alongside Freja Beha on a mysterious staircase, and Claudia Schiffer gets her own photograph (below), which features her wearing a large black hat and a Chanel quilted bag. Overall, it looks less farm and more fiesta. Do you like the campaign?

Claudia Schiffer for Chanel spring 2010.Photo: Courtesy of Chanel

A Chanel Tango with Freja and Claudia [Modelinia]

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Filed Under: campaign trail, chanel, claudia schiffer, freja beha, karl lagerfeld, spring 2010, spring 2010 campaigns

Tomorrow’s Events and Sales: 50 Percent Off Versace; Up to 60 Percent Off at Kirna Zabête

Alexandra Martell — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:45:00 GMT

SALES
NEW THIS WEEK
• Winter merchandise from Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Thakoon, and many more designers is up to 60 percent off at Kirna Zabête. A leather Alexander Wang vest is $476 (originally $1,100), Balmain belted booties are $474 (originally $1,185), and Givenchy skinny jeans are $198 (originally $405). Ongoing. 96 Greene St., nr. Spring St. (212-941-9656); M–S (11–7), Su (noon–6).

• Get 50 percent off at Versace at the label's rare after-Christmas sale. Ongoing. 647 Fifth Ave., at 52nd St. (212-317-0224); M–S (10–7), Su (noon–6).

• Select merchandise is 20 to 70 percent off at Norma Kamali. The all-in-one black-and-white striped tunic is just $75, the jersey lifestyle line is 20 to 50 percent off, and assorted parachute styles are up to 70 percent off. Ongoing. 11 W. 56th St., nr. Fifth Ave. (212-957-9797); M–S (10–6), Su (closed).

ENDING TOMORROW
• Merchandise from Henrik Vibscov, c.neeon, Rodebjer, and more is 50 to 60 percent off at Eva. The Henrik Vibscov leather dress is $325 (originally $795), the TV hooded sweater is $195 (originally $408), and the TV crochet corset is $125 (originally $288). Through 12/31. 355 Bowery, nr. 4th St. (212-925-3890); daily (noon–8).

• Select men's and women's clothing is 30 percent off at Rogan, including outerwear. The women's silk dress is $209 (originally $296), the women's bomber jacket is $319 (originally $456), and the men's peacoat is $409 (originally $595). Through 12/31. 330 Bowery St., at Bond St. (646-827-7567); M–S (noon–8), Su (noon–7).

• Select merchandise is 50 percent off at First Among Equals during the holiday sale. Through 12/31. 177 Orchard St., Stanton St. (212-253-2202); M–F (1–9), S–Su (noon–8).

• Select fall 2009 womenswear, menswear, jewelry, shoes, and accessories are 25 to 40 percent off at Bird. The Alexander Wang viscose Goddess dress is $379 (originally $625), the Thakoon floral twist-front dress is $499 (originally $845), and the Zero + Maria Cornejo Marla dress is $359 (originally $598). Through 12/31. Various hours and locations.

• Womenswear and shoes are 25 to 40 percent off at Project No. 8. The Margiela gray Replica heels are $573 (originally $765), the Stephan Schneider purple-and-black knit cardigan is $198 (originally $284), and the yellow VPL dress is $327 (originally $545). Through 12/31. 138 Division St., nr. Orchard St. (212-925-5599). T–Su (1–8).

• Menswear and shoes are 25 to 40 percent off at No. 8b. The Margiela Flocked sneakers are $386 (originally $515), the Stephan Schneider gray cardigan is $161 (originally $269), and the Aspesi jacket is $201 (originally $268). Through 12/31. 38 Orchard St., at Hester St. (212-925-5599); Tu–Su (noon–7).

• Eyewear by Dior, Gucci, Tom Ford, Lafont, and more starts at $50 at James Leonard Opticians. Through 12/31. 1010 Second Ave., nr. 53rd St. (212-753-7733); 209 Smith St., nr. President St., Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (718-222-8300); M, W, F (10–7), T, Th (10–8), S (10–6).

• Get 20 percent off everything on Digby & Iona's website, including the new fall collection, by entering "holiday" in the promo section at checkout. Through 12/31. digbyandiona.com.

Employees Use Gift Cards to Shoplift

Amina Akhtar — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:00:00 GMT

A thief's best friend.

Good news, everyone! If you work retail, the Times informs us of a new way to steal from your employer: Use gift cards. How crafty. It's apparently the hottest way to shoplift. As our klepto urges faded once the nineties came to an end, we find this intriguing. Just how do these schemes work? "Among the variations of such crimes, cashiers often do fake refunds of merchandise and then, with the amount refunded, use their registers to electronically fill gift cards, which they take. Or sometimes when shoppers buy gift cards, cashiers give them blank cards and then divert the shoppers’ money onto cards for themselves." Now we know. And knowing is half the battle.

But this method is not without its risks. You can and will get busted, like that one woman who stole $135,000 from Saks using gift cards. Or a Best Buy cashier who took $600. The article points out that some schemes are more complicated, like using computers to divert cash onto fraudulently activated cards, ripping off one store to the tune of $35,000. For all the anti-theft measures stores have in place to prevent customers from stealing, it seems employee theft is a way bigger issue. Using that discount for your mom's holiday purchases doesn't seem like that big a deal now, does it?

Shoplifters? Studies Say Keep an Eye on Workers [NYT]

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Filed Under: been caught stealing, crime, gift cards, stealing is bad, what would your mother say?

Miss J. Figured Out What’s Wrong With Male Runway Models

Sharon Clott — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:15:00 GMT

Miss J.

Miss J. thinks that male models walk awkwardly. And guess what? They do! Every season they stomp and clomp down the runways. But why, oh why? "Because I believe they still think it's a business for women and gay men," Miss J. says. "So they are walking somewhere, I think, between the bank and the gym." There has to be a reason they get away with it. ... Oh yeah, because they're models and they're attractive. [Grazia]

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Filed Under: quotables, male models, man up, miss j, runway

Tyra Banks Is Hard to Work For, Sky Is Blue

Amina Akhtar — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Breaking news: Tyra Banks is hard to work for. You're as shocked as we are, aren't you? Turns out the Smizing Queen can be a bit of a diva on set according to reports in the Daily News. As word got out that she was shutting down production of her show, disgruntled staffers started letting it all out. Apparently, TyTy told the press about her plans before alerting employees. That's just mean — it's the holidays, Tyra. Of course, when the show first moved from L.A. to New York, they weren't immediately notified, either, so the staff wasn't surprised. But still, they're not exactly happy campers.

"There had been high turnover of employees for years," a past crew member says, insisting that many people quit after just a few months because it was "pretty difficult to work for Tyra."

But not everyone loathed working for Ms. Banks. "Honestly, I don't know how it would be to work under her," one higher-ranking employee told the paper. "But for me, it was a good experience. Tyra just knows how she likes things done. And as for her 'diva-ness,' well, it sells." There's one glaring omission in this story, however, and it's not the "tk" for Tyra's age that the writer ran: Did no one talk to her weave person? We need to know how disgruntled he or she is. After all, Tyra cut her weave off — we need the backstory! If you're reading this, you know who to call.

Some employees say Tyra Banks was a terror to work with on CW gabfest [NYDN]

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Filed Under: tyra mail, tyra banks

Georgia May Jagger Lands Upside Down for Versace; Electronics Preferred to Apparel

Sharon Clott — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:45:00 GMT

Georgia May Jagger for Versace.

• The apparel industry isn't the top one for extravagant purchases anymore. It is being edged out by electronics, and in particular, the rise of smart phones. [WWD]

• Spring campaigns are out, including Georgia May Jagger posing upside down for Versace, Natalia Vodianova for Yves Saint Laurent, and Raquel Zimmermann for Chloé. [Modelinia]

• Donatella Versace reportedly needed bodyguards to hold up her dress when she went to the bathroom at Fashion Rocks in Rio de Janeiro in October. Just another day in the life. [Fashionologie]

• It appears as though both the Sonia Kashuk and Rodarte collections for Target used the same animal print. Gasp. [Racked]

• Stephanie Pratt of The Hills helped distribute food to the homeless on Christmas Eve. [Page Six/NYP]

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Filed Under: loose threads, chloe, collaborations, donatella versace, georgia may jagger, models, natalia vodianova, raquel zimmermann, rodarte, sonia kashuk, spring 2010 campaigns, stephanie pratt, target, versace, yves saint laurent

Lindsay Lohan’s Expanded 6126 Line Is What You’d Expect

Amina Akhtar — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:55:00 GMT

Ask the fashion gods and sometimes you just may receive. Like yesterday when we begged the universe for sketches of Lindsay Lohan's 6126 expanded clothing line, and, voilà, today we have gloriously tarty clothes paired with — wait for it — padded leggings! Lindsay, you're the gift that keeps on giving! The line, according to WWD, will consist of 100 pieces. The average prices will be between $100 and $150, but go so high as $600 for a leather jacket, and will retail at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom.

The line, as you can see from the lovely sketches, is a mix of separates, bustiers, vests, and short, tight dresses — nothing groundbreaking. But! WWD clues us in to the man behind the scenes: Henri Levy, chief executive officer of DNAM Apparel, which will manufacture the line. If his name doesn't ring a bell, perhaps another line he manufactures will: Ed Hardy. It seems Linds is in good company.

And lest you think she won't actually be designing, let's set the record straight: "She’s intimately involved from Day One," Kristi Kaylor, principal in 6126 LLC, said. "She picks fabrics. She looks at trims. She picks buttons. She doesn’t let anything go into production without trying it on." The line is also looking to expand more with cosmetics, handbags, shoes, and jewelry coming in 2011. Maybe this coming year is the mark of her return? Oh, we kid.

Lindsay Lohan's 6126 to Launch Full Apparel Line [WWD]
Earlier: Lindsay Lohan to Expand 6126 Into a Full Line

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Filed Under: the curse of lohan, designers, lindsay lohan

Best Bet: Sail Away

Sharon Clott — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

If there were ever a season to live in layers, it's winter. And insulation doesn't have to be big and bulky to keep you cozy. That's why we like the striped boyfriend sweater by Paul & Joe Sister. With only several strips of blue on the gray cotton cardigan, the nautical trend isn't too overpowering, and there are two modest bows on the front lower pockets to keep it flirty. Even better, the fit is loose enough to throw over your seasonal wears like thermals, turtlenecks, and long-sleeve tees. And bring it along in the hotter months, too — it looks great over a cami.

$112.20 at My-Wardrobe.com.

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Filed Under: best bets, cardigans, paul and joe sister, sweaters

Mariah Carey: Sugarplum Fairy

Sharon Clott — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Mariah Carey kept warm at the 14th Annual Capri Hollywood International Film Festival by wearing a white fur bolero over a shiny plum gown.

What do you wear over your party dresses?

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Filed Under: look of the day, fur, mariah carey

Models Use Their Power for Good

Amina Akhtar — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:20:00 GMT

Alek Wek and Natalia Vodianova

Models might be the faces of global fashion campaigns, but some are also becoming the faces of global charities. That's right, they do good things (and look good while doing it). Having lived through not-so-perfect lives in their pre-modeling days, they're trying to make the world a better place. Which makes it really hard to hate them. The Times delved deep into the world of do-gooder models (and with nary a Zoolander joke; kudos) and profiled a few beautiful ladies who are lending a helping hand or two. Pay attention, everyone: We can learn a little from them.

Model No. 1: Tasha de Vasconcelos, the current face of Nivea. She set up a maternity ward in Kasese, Malawi, earlier this year with funding courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

Model No. 2: Gisele Bündchen, maybe you've heard of her? She's the current goodwill ambassador for the U.N. Environment Program and protects rain forests in Brazil. (When was the last time you even recycled?)

Model No. 3: Alek Wek, supermodel. She's working on improving health conditions in Sudan.

Model No. 4: Natalia Vodianova, supermodel. After helping to raise a disabled sister, she set up her own organization, Naked Heart Foundation, which builds playground parks for Russian children.

The takeaway from all this? If these ladies, who have busy lives and families and fabulous parties to go to, can take time to make the world a smidgen better, you can probably haul your butt down to a soup kitchen or write a check. Sharing is caring, people.

Fashion Models Start Getting Their Hands Dirty [NYT]

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Filed Under: model tracker, alek wek, charity, gisele bundchen, natalia vodianova