Celebrity Fashion Spotlight: AMA's 2010

The 2010 American Music Awards featured some fabulous performances if you managed to catch them.  Also, the red carpet fashion ranged from simple elegance, to sheer confusion and craziness.  Those nutty musicians take the cake when it comes to unleashing their often unique styling... 

Miley Cyrus in Marchesa

Miley's dress was a hit for some people, and a miss for others.  I think the wrapped style mini is adorable on her, and the color looks beautiful with her complexion.  The problem many people had with this dress is obviously in the massive trail of toilet paper coming off the back of the dress.  I think it would have been fine if that stupid bow wasn't the size of her entire torso...B

Rihanna in Elie Saab Couture

 As usual, Rihanna looks absolutely AMAzing!  The red ringlets and racy red dress have old hollywood glamour written all over it.  There is just the right balance of styling, elegance, and sex appeal with this ensemble.  This was one of the favorite looks of the night.  She is absolutely KILLIN IT!...A+

Taylor Swift in Collette Dinnigan

Another hit on the red carpet was Taylor Swift.  The dress was sparkly and adorable (Oooo...shiny...).   The cut of the dress could have been a bit more flattering as the heaviness on the bottom makes her curves look a little unbalanced, but I'm just being picky.  HOWEVER, what had everyone really buzzing was that hair!  Taylor has always been known for her soft cascading curls and floor length gown as per usual awards attire.  This new sleek cut and stright cut bangs look awesome!...A

 

Katie Perry in Badgley Mischka

This is another one of my personal favorites from the night.  This dress is sooooo freaking cute I can't stand it.  ME WANT.  Katie looks super pretty and sweet in this baby pink knee length number.  What I really love are all of the fantastic little details with the sparkles, and tiny rosettes perfectly placed on the dress.  And the fit is 100% spot on.  Absolutely Stunning...A+ 

Keri Hilson in Sammy B

You can never go wrong with the little black dress.  She played it safe, while still incorporating great styling.  This one is taking it up a few notches with the black crocodile skin and interesting draping details in the front.  The open back sizzles on Keri.  'Pretty Girl Rock' Indeed!  I want this dress too...A-

 

Ke$ha in Who the hell knows...

Yeah, I can't seem to find who designed this atrocity anywhere on the web.  They are probably protecting their identity by hiding in shame.  Ke$ha, as usual, looks like an idiot.  She sported a faux-hawk and 'studded' eyebrows.  Wow.  Could you be crying out for attention any harder?  You look stupid...FAIL.

 Nicki Minaj in Manish Arora

Whoa.  That CANNOT be comfortable.  How do you even sit down in that thing.  This dress definitely took the cake as far as being the most outlandish outfit.  I have to at least hand it to the girl for taking such an extreme risk.  The dress is definitely...um...interesting.  And definitely hideous. That girl is crazy...D (for effort)

Fergie in Falguni & Shane

This was another one that took a dive with the fashion critics.  I personally think the dress isn't THAT bad.  It certainly pales in comparison to the other divas on the red carpet, but it isn't as bad as some of the crap that came walking out there either.  The color is great, and the styling of the dress (ignoring the shoulder crap) is actually pretty cute.  The REAL problem is obviously those awful feathers proturuding out of her shoulders.  Turned a perfectly cute dress into a show-girl style bird costume.  Just plain bad taste on the designers part...To be fair I give it a C.

 WELL...That concludes my take on some of the AMA's red carpet looks for 2010!

To Tan? or Not To Tan? What are the real facts...

TANNING

This has been a hot topic due to the recent legislative moves against it by way of the 10% tanning tax being imposed on our faithfully bronzed citizens.  An estimated 30million people tan indoors every year.  Is it fair to subject them to higher prices?  Is it justified?  Just how bad is tanning? What are the REAL facts?

Well, I've done some digging, and have come up with some convincing evidence for AND against indoor tanning...I myself have gone through phases of the desire to be bronze, at the expense of my personal health.  Let's be real.  We ALL know that tanning can cause skin cancer.  Yet, we all still do it because we are young and want to look our best, whatever the cost may be.  But, as I age, I am beginning to notice teeny, tiny ::GASP:: wrinkles!  In areas of my body and face, that have tended to be darkest.  Is year round bronze worth the price we pay later on?

At the same time, I have lived primarily in a colder climate, where winters are long and dark.  Lack of sunlight can cause depression, and lack of vitamin D can actually ALSO increase risk of certain cancers.  I know that I definitely feel happier and 'sunnier' after a tanning session.  It can be so damn dark up here in the Northeast!  It sucks when the only daylight you are exposed to is from the light between the blinds of the office windows.

What it all comes down to is MODERATION. As with anything else in life.  We need to be more realistic about how dark we can make ourselves.  Maintaining a healthy glow is fine, but when is too much, too much?  When does it become an obsession/addiction?

CONS - THE FACTS

• Indoor tanning has been linked to premature aging, squamous cell and basal cell cancers, and melanoma
• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that skin cancer is the MOST COMMON form of cancer in America
• EACH YEAR there are 50,000 new cases of melanoma and 10,000 skin cancer related deaths
• The National Cancer Institute found that women who use indoor tanning MORE THAN ONCE A MONTH are 55% more likely to develop malignant melanoma

So, there we have it, more than once a month, and you risk forming some of these little beauties...

 

IS IT WORTH IT? 

WHAT IF YOU CAN'T STOP?

Studies have been conducted that suggest tanning may actually even be ADDICTIVE!!! THE HORROR!!!

"...a recent study, which illustrates that indoor tanning may also be addictive, heightens our concern. The study , appearing in the Archives of Dermatology last spring, examined indoor tanners in college, who on average visited the tanning salon 23 times a year. That's almost once every two weeks. Wow.

To gauge whether or not indoor tanning was an addictive behavior for the participants, the researchers tweaked two diagnostic screening tests, one often used to assess alcohol abuse (CAGE) and the other used to assess substance abuse (DSM-IV-TR). They found that 39.3 percent of the indoor tanners met addiction criteria with the CAGE test and 30.6 percent met criteria with the DSM-IV-TR test. Of this sample group of college students, many were, by definition, addicted to tanning."
CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

PROS - THE FACTS

 VITAMIN D - The 'Sunshine' Vitamin

• Vitamin D has numerous known benefits, and having a deficiency of this can be very serious
• Vitamin D has been nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin” because the skin makes it from ultraviolet rays.
• The main function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D also helps in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, soft, or misshapen.
• Some specific examples of benefits are: improved bone health and prevention of osteoporosis, osetomalacia, and rickets, reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and breast, colon, and other cancers, alleviations of skin disorders, decreased risk of autoimmune disorders, and enhanced mental health and lessening symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, premenstrual syndrome, and depression
• In several studies, it was found that Vitamin D helped protect against rickets, lymphoma and cancers of the prostate and colon cancer.

SO...Tanning can actually be GOOD FOR YOU! BUT...NOT IF YOU DO IT TOO OFTEN...

Put Your Best Face Foward: Product Reviews & Recommendations

 

Let's face it:  We were not all born with perfect complexions.

(Or time has slowly stole our natural radiance)

But, there is hope!

I have always had trouble with my skin.  Acne in my youth led to extreme drying from all of the remedies I had used to cure my blemishes.  Now, I must also confront the later scarring that can occur from having onset teenage acne.  As we age we also deal with aging skin, wrinkling, under-eye circles, sun damage, etc..

I have tried many, many products throughout the years, but have narrowed down to a few that I really like and find to be effective:

SKYN ICELAND

This is a fantastic product line.  All of their products are composed of 100% natural ingredients.  

Iceland is a volcanic island nation that lies near the arctic circle.  It is an extremely mineral rich land, and has been left largely untouched by civilization.  The water is so pure, as it runs through the glaciers.  It is an extremely natural and pure environment.  That is what these products bring to your face.  The cleansers are extremely creamy, and you can feel the deep-down tingling as you use them, clearing your skin of toxins.  They deeply clean, while replenishing moisture and nutrients.  My skin has a cooling sensation after use.  You will notice a clear, glowing, refreshed look in just a few days!  I absolutely LOVE this stuff. 

 

PHILOSOPHY - Hope In A Jar

The SKYN ICELAND products are great for removing toxins and clarifying my skin, but I still feel the need for more moisture.  So, I have found this product, and have fallin absolutely in love.  It's got a great texture, is great for my dry skin in these dry winter weeks. I was surprised that it didn't make me break out. I still have a slight break out on my chin sometimes, but in the two weeks I've been using this cream it's settled a lot.  It is 99.9% oil free, so it is perfect for anyone.  This formula contains antioxidants that protect skin against environmental damage and provides continuous exfoliation to keep roughness at bay. An infusion of yeast-derived beta glucan supports the skin's natural defense system and improves repair capabilities.

BENEFIT - EyeCon

If you are from mediterranean descent like I am, you may have inherited the dreaded dark circles.  From a very young age I have been having to use concealer under my eyes to rid myself from the horrible purplish discoloration.  A few weeks ago, I got plain tired of always lookinh, well, tired.  I stumbled around a few different products, read a ton of reviews, and finally settled on this one.  I bought it, and WOW.  Within the first few days of use, my eyes looked better and brighter.  I didn't have to reapply my concealer or use multiple coats.  Infused with extracts of sweet almond and apple fruit this amazing eye treatment nourishes, smoothes, depuffs, and fades dark circles.  It has been nothing short of a miracle for me.  Just apply every morning and evening, a little bit goes a lonnnnnggg way.

AMAZING COSMETICS - Concealer

Another recent find is this:  Amazing Concealer.  And so far, it has lived up to the name!  This is a full-pigmented, all natural concealer.  It is extremely moisturizing, and blends easily.  Also, because this is a full-pigment formula you only need a very small amount to get the results you want.  I use this around my eye area and over my scars.  It makes them virtually disappear, while giving you a natural dewy finish.  This is a great product.


BENEFIT - Some Kind-A Gorgeous

Another Benefit product that I have used and loved is the Some Kind-A Gorgeous 'foundation'.  I say it like that because it is not a 'true' foundation, but a sheer, oil-free, cream-to-powder, complexion perfector.  It does not provide full-coverage, but moisturizes and evens out problem areas for an air-brushed finish.  I hate using foundation, and usually only use concealer, so this product was perfect for me.  It gave just the right amount of evenness to my skin without leaving a caking effect.  It is extremely light-weight, and non-greasy.  I have been using this for over a year, and even with my problem skin, have never had an issue with the stellar item.

SO...There you have it!  Great products for a great face! :)

DENIM FIT GUIDE: Jeans can be a friend or a foe! (I prefer friend)

YIKES!  A bad fitting jean can really ruin your appeal/self-esteem.  But, I'm here to help you learn what to look for when selecting the right style for your shape.  There are so many options out there and many women can attest to the fact that shopping for jeans is never easy for anyone (whether you are Heidi Klum or Star Jones).  The good news is that because jeans have become such a staple of fashion, there are many different designers who focus on specific shapes and ways to improve and accentuate your 'assets'.

TO BEGIN...Here are some ABC's of denim terminology that every women should know:

Abrasion - The process of making garments look worn and aged by scraping or rubbing the surface of the fabric causing abrasion.
Acid wash -  The finish that gives indigo jeans sharp contrasts by soaking pumice stones in chlorine and letting the stones create the contrast.
Crosshatch -Mixing uneven yarns in both the weft and warped directions to create a unique type of denim that shows a square grid-like pattern in the weave.
Denim - The word denim is believed to be a derivative of the French term, serge de Nîmes, a rugged cotton twill textile, in which the weft passes under two or more warp fibers, producing the familiar diagonal ribbing identifiable on the reverse of the fabric distinguishing denim from cotton duck.
Double needle -A common seam on jeans where two stitchs run parallel to each other for reinforcement.
Enzyme wash/Stone wash -A more environmentally sound way to create a stone wash, organic proteins are used to eat away at the indigo.
Indigo - A blue dye obtained from indigo plants. The chemical structure was synthetically produced in 1987. Indigo's inherent features are good colorfastness to water and light and a continual fading. This allows the blue color in jeans to always look irregular and individual.
Pima cotton - Originally grown in the 1900's in Peru, Pima Cotton is known for its long fibres, making it a very high quality, luxurious cotton. Pima Cotton was brought to America and got its name from the Pima Indians, who harvested this particular type of cotton.
River washing - The process that creates a naturally aged look by combining pumice stones and cellulose enzymes. The washer is first loaded with stones and fabric. The second stage introduces the enzymes and tumbled together to give denim a vintage, worn hand.
Rivet - A metal accessory that is used for reinforcement of stress points as well as nonfunctional ornamentation.
Sea island cotton - Known for its silky feel and lustre, one of the best cotton fibres.
Whiskering - Term used to describe a denim that has a fading of the ridges in creases in the crotch area and back of the knees giving the appearance of aged denim.

(Courtesy of Jeans.com...http://www.jeans.com/Articles/ABC%27s%20of%20Denim.lasso)

Various fits----(**a bit outdated as it does not include skinny or jegging**)

**There is also length indications for some styles: Petite, Regular, or Long**

Denim styling for 2010 is trending towards slimmer fits, darker washes, and bold pocket statements.  Also, the rise of the Jegging is upon us! (Jean + Legging = Jegging).  The stretchy fabric can be a godsend for some of us in the hourglass/pear shaped categories because they provide a fitted waist with enough stretch to embrace our curves without suffocating them.

There are various body shapes out there...some that have a lot going on in the lower curves and some that don't...

Needing flattering 'booty boosting' styles:

Apple shapes:  Bigger on top than on the bottom.  You are going to want to look for jeans that are roomier in the waist and give shapeliness to your rear.  Try to stay away from 'slim fit' and higher waisted stylings or  you will be a victim of the dreaded muffin top.

Rectangle:  Straighter hips, overrall straight shaping from mid section to thighs.  You are like the apple shapes, and want a jean that creates more curves, and shapes the booty nicely without suffocating your mid-section.

What to look for...

• Both of these shapes would be best in a tapered or skinny jean that makes the butt more noticeable.
• Flap pockets and/or quilted pockets will add dimension to your backside
• Kitten heels, or any heels for that matter will also add boost to your booty

Brands to try:

• Siwy: Quilted pockets lift and shape the backside. Try the Harmah or the Rose
• True Religion: The Billy's straight leg and flap pockets add shape to the hips and backside.

(Courtesy of http://www.couturecandy.com/jean-guide.htm)


Needing flattering bootylicious accentuating styles:

Pear Shapes & Hourglass:  Both need room in the hips and thigh areas.  But, also need to be fitted in the waist or you can get the dreaded 'plumber-ass' where the back of the waist creates an unflattering 'crater' due to the lack of fit around the mid-section.  It is best to stay away from some of the low-rise and ultra low-rise styles for this reason.

What to look for...

•  Stretch denim or the jegging style will give you the waist fit you want without suffocation your natural curviness.  Any style with a fitted waist will also be preferable.
•  Darker washes can provide a slimming effect for those thighs

Brands to try:

• Joe's Jeans - Honey Style- Made for curvy girls with a fitted waist and contoured butt
• Serfontaine - These are a curvy girls best friend. Each pair is meant to highlight the gift of shape. The Sweatheart Fit truly cannot be beat.
• Genetic Denim - Their moto is to accentuate accets and that they do! Try the Riley 

 (Courtesy of http://www.couturecandy.com/jean-guide.htm)