Beth Ditto may not be a household name just yet, but she’s already establishing herself as an icon in certain circles: The underground music scene, and the usually exclusive world of high fashion. In addition to fronting blues-punk-dance trio the Gossip, where she’s won fans for years with her considerable pipes and confrontational/celebratory stage presence, she is also a crusader for gay rights and fat acceptance. “Fat” is not a word Ditto shies away from; in fact, she owns it and makes no bones about what it’s like to be a size 28 fashion plate:
“I don’t understand all these women who say they feel betrayed by fashion. A piece of clothing can’t talk – it can’t tell you that you can’t have it – so really, you’re just telling yourself that. You make yourself the victim, because if you want clothes that bad, then make them yourself. You have to get creative if you’re fat.”
No matter what size you are, it’s hard not to feel inspired by Beth’s unapologetic, can-do attitude. She’s essentially telling women that they don’t have to commit themselves to “camouflaging” those extra pounds – they can flaunt them instead. And flaunt them she did at Paris Fashion Week last Saturday, when she opened and closed Jean Paul Gaultier’s spring/summer 2011 show in two of his rock’n'roll-inspired frocks, pictured above. She looks happy and confident, and at one point actually burst into song during her final walk, which ended with thunderous applause and an enthusiastic embrace from the legendary designer. Could this be the beginning of true size acceptance in the world of haute couture, or do you think Beth is just an exception to the size zero rule?
October is here! And that means that you’re probably thinking about Halloween costumes, right? Well, with the economy still in a rather sorry state, you may not have substantial amounts of cash to invest in a costume – but you can still make an impression on October 31st. Why not take a cue from Ms. Tyra Banks herself, who made a splash at last night’s French Vogue 90th Anniversary Party in Paris? All you’ll need is fishnet stockings and some scissors!
First, let me preface this by saying that the event was, indeed, a costume party, so Tyra’s fishnet face wasn’t entirely out of place. Also, she is wearing a super lovely Roberto Cavalli gown paired with minimal makeup and accessories – elegant and understated, right? Well, from the neck down, at least. From the neck up, she is wearing…fishnets on her face. According to Tyra’s Twitter, the mask is “sum cheap FISHNET stockings I got n crazy store n Paris! I cut em up n made it y’all. N did my ow hair n makeup.” And lest you scoff, the old fishnet-on-the-head trick is actually startlingly similar to the fencing masks that Viktor & Rolf sent down the runway in 2008. So what do you think? Is this a viable last minute Halloween costume idea, or total red carpet abomination?
“Most of us weren’t blessed with perfect genes. But we’re bringing you the next best thing: perfect jeans.” – Paige Adams-Geller.
That is one of my favorite quotes from Paige Adams-Geller, the founder of Paige Premium Denim. Any girl that has ever gone jean shopping can attest that it’s probably one of the most self-esteem damaging experiences ever. We leave feeling too fat, or too skinny, or too tall, or too short. It’s hard to find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly!
Well, Paige Premium Denim is probably one of my favorite brands of jeans. I didn’t know that it was possible, but these jeans somehow make my legs longer and skinnier! (And who doesn’t want a pair of pants that make your butt & legs look better?) Isn’t that what every girl looks for in a pair of jeans? And Paige Adams-Geller knows her jeans. She spent decades working behind the scenes at 7 for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, and True Religion. I’m not a big fan of my True Religion jeans, but I love my Sevens and my Citizens of Humanity jeans. And I don’t like spending a lot of money on clothing. But for great fitting jeans, it’s totally worth it.
Celebrities that have been spotted in Paige jeans include: Jessica Alba, Rachel Bilson, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Cindy Crawford, and many many more!
I am one of the biggest advocates you will find of keeping skin healthy now so you don’t have to resort to surgery or needles later so you’ll look young. For me, that means washing my face every night, keeping my skin moisturized – face, neck and chest, – and wearing sunscreen, rain or shine. So a headline over at Yahoo definitely piqued my interest: 5 Surprising Ways You’re Ruining Your Skin. A few of the tips were not so surprising – getting enough rest and being a serious runner – were things I already knew about. But hearing about the dangers of tap water and steam rooms were interesting to learn about. But I would definitely add to the first tip about getting your prescriptions for your eyes up to date. The idea is that if you have to squint with your glasses or contacts, then you may be contributing to fine lines around your eyes. I would definitely add in the necessity for wearing sunglasses! Not only are you likely to squint less with shade for your eyes, but when you wear large frames like Jennifer Aniston’s in this picture, then you are protecting that delicate tissue around your eyes even further – if you have sunglasses with UV protection. You don’t have to get expensive sunglasses in order to have UV protection. Just make sure you read the description on the sunglasses carefully and always opt for 100% UV protection. It is better for your eyes, to help prevent cataracts, and it is better for your skin, to help prevent wrinkles.
Yes, this picture of Jessica Biel is from awhile back. And, yes, I’m sure the fact that her undergarments were showing was some sort of brilliantly calculated designer choice. She looks lovely, why wouldn’t she want to show off her granny panties? Actually – it looks more like she is wearing some sort of control-top, Spanx-like underwear. You know, the kind that sucks in your tummy too. Stars! They’re just like us!
Here’s the thing: Sometimes we try on dresses in fitting rooms or even at home and we don’t realize the transparency of the dress until we are out in less forgiving lighting. Maybe that is what happened to Jessica. But even if she knew her dress was sheer that doesn’t mean that we all want to wear sheer dresses. In fact, I would argue that most of the dresses we wear these days could use a little help….hence the title of this post, Ode to the Slip.
I love wearing dresses and skirts. And these days I can really stock up on them because most of the dresses I get are from trendy, affordable stores – like Forever 21 or H&M or Old Navy. Which is great BUT there is a reason these garments are so wallet-friendly: Usually, they are cheaply made. I don’t buy a dress from one of these places and think it’s going to last forever. In fact, I usually buy dresses from there so I can embrace a current trend without investing too much money in a look that might be fleeting in the fickle world of fashion. But herein lies the problem: they are cheaply made and most likely don’t have the right lining.
Not to sound like a crotchety old lady….but I don’t want you to see my crotch. And I most certainly don’t want to see yours. And chances are, you don’t want me to either. Which is why I consider this to be a public service announcement:
INVEST IN A SLIP
Invest in a couple. Buy a few half-slips in a few different colors – nude, black, white. They are affordable at places like Target and if you want to get fancy you can pick one up at a lingerie store. It is kind of amazing what this thin piece of fabric can do to camouflage what’s under your thin piece of fabric dress. With so many of us embracing dress-wearing by buying them from affordable places, it makes sense to kick it old school and wear a slip. It is just a little tool that goes a long way.
I am a huge fan of a messy bun. Maybe it stems from my days of dance classes growing up or maybe it comes from not always taking the time to “do” my hair every morning. Whatever it is, most days you can find me with my hair in a bun. I have quite the assortment of bobby pins of all shapes, styles and colors….and now I don’t know what to do with them….
….Because I bought a Spin Pin. I am not exaggerating when I say I bought this on Tuesday and I haven’t worn my hair down since. And I had a dream last night that I couldn’t find my spin pin and I was frantic. When I found it, my mom had somehow twisted it so it didn’t work anymore and I was pretty upset. Don’t read too much into the dream, except that I’m clearly obsessing over this product.
The package comes with two spin pins but since my hair is so thin, I’ve only needed to use one to keep my bun in place. One pin! Normally I use five or 6 bobby pins and they fall out throughout the day and I have to constantly restyle. But with the Spin Pin I take my hair, twirl it into a bun and then take my Spin Pin and twist it up into the bun from the bottom like it’s a corkscrew. And I’m done. It is unbelievably simple and holds into place remarkably well. Women with thicker hair – I’m looking at you, Melissa – will probably need to use both pins but, still, I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it. Plus! You aren’t limited to just creating a “messy bun” – you can do several different up-dos with ease. I have several weddings to attend in the next few months…guess how I’m doing my hair….
Has anyone else tried the Spin Pin yet? Are you loving it as much as me? Or did it not work for you? I’m curious! Let us know with a comment…
We do love Drew around Latest Beauty headquarters and one of the things that is most appealing about her is her ability to seem so down to earth, despite having been in the spotlight since, well, practically birth. Case in point: Here on the left is Drew this past Monday in LA for the red carpet premiere of Going The Distance. And on the left is Drew in NY yesterday for a visit to David Letterman. Notice anything similar? Look down…
She is rocking the same grey suede pumps at both events.
And looking fabulous while doing it!
The style and color of the shoe are the perfect where-anywhere combination. At more formal events or as business casual, the neutral suede is one of the ideal buys for the fall. So, of course, I did a little shopping around for you (and me).
I like this wedge option from MaxStudio that I found over at DSW. I am forever clumsy in heels, so a wedge helps me to be less of a klutz. If you are more adept at handling heels like a grown up, a la the lovely Drew, then you can check out these pumps from Steve Madden. Either way is a very cool and classy way to go!
UPDATE:
Spotted! Drew wore her favorite shoes, yet again, when she stopped by The Daily Show on Wednesday, the day this was posted:
Girlfriend knows how to pack for a road trip! And, by the by, ShoppingtheTrend.com has identified Drew’s shoes as YSL Tribtoo Platform Pumps. If you’re in the market for a shoe splurge, this might be the one to sink your dollars into. Drew is clearly getting her money’s worth!
Fall fashions are in full swing at the stores right now, and just in time for the back to school season, Forever 21 has unveiled their “I LOVE NERDS” collection. Although the styling for the website really drives home the nerdiness of the colleciton, most of the individual pieces are actually schoolgirl-sexy, from button-front miniskirts to knee highs to a more body-conscious take on the classic letterman jacket. All in all, this collection skews a little young for me, but I think the whole nerd chic thing is a pretty cute idea – albeit one that can probably be achieved for even less money than you would spend at Forever21 if you’re willing to spend a weekend combing the thrift stores. What do you think – are you a nerd lover or do you prefer fashion that’s a little less…awkward?
It’s not easy being a shoe lover on a budget. Designer shoes are well out of your reach, and cheap shoes look…well, cheap. Given these circumstances, it can be extremely challenging to keep up with the latest trends, or even revamp your shoe wardrobe for the coming season. But with fall on the horizon, I’m sure my fellow footwear fetishists are on the hunt for some way to grab a new pair of boots without breaking the bank. I recommend checking out the Dolce Vita for Target collection, which hits stores this month. All of the styles, which include flats, oxfords and boots, are under $40. I’m particularly fond of the buckle ankle boots – part Michael Jackson circa Bad, part Alison Mosshart (of the Kills and the Dead Weather) – and the lace-up boots. What do you think of this collection? And if you’re not down with Target, what stores do you visit for affordable footwear?
Wendy Culpepper Jewelry is having a one-day-only sale today and it is kind of epic:
All of their gold vermeil pieces are on sale today for 50% off – no code needed!
I own the ring pictured here and it is one of my favorite pieces that I wear all the time. It is usually $115 but today you can snatch it up for $57.50. There are rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets all for really good prices and I am totally going to take advantage of the deals. I’ve had my eye on a few of the pieces from the Alligator Collection for awhile now – no better day than today to finally make some wishes come true. There is one ring that I love that is only $20 today – that is a steal!! If you love jewelry, then you have to check out the artistry of Wendy’s designs. These are truly unique pieces that you’ll get tons of compliments on – Wendy Culpepper has a major celebrity following and has been featured in some of your favorite magazines and tv shows and movies. Truly designer, truly special, truly worth it.
I’m not sure who this Olivia Palermo chick is, but apparently she’s on The Hills spinoff, The City. Whoever she is, she has great style! Jetting around from fashion shows in Paris to Berlin.
And, not a celeb, but I thought this was pretty awesome:
Isn’t Salma Hayek’s sizzling hot white and red ensemble just the most summery, retro sexy outfit ever?! I’m in love with it. Just goes to show that you don’t need a lot going on in terms of detailing or accessories – you just need to create a compelling combination of elements. Specifically…
And, of course, a vibrant red lipstick to tie everything together, like NARS Jungle Red.
Keep the rest of your makeup and accessories to an absolute minimum (I think Salma could have added some red polish without going over the top, but she looks lovely with nude nails too), and you’re ready for some hot summer nights! Oh, and feel free to try out a mysterious, Veronica Lake-inspired hairstyle for a little extra drama.
Maybe it’s because today is the first day of summer. Maybe it’s because I need to update my sandal collection. Maybe it’s because they are on sale. Or maybe it is just because they are so darn pretty. Whatever the reason is, I’m obsessed with these gladiator sandals from Yosi Samara. The cutout details in the leather give these sandals an old-world vibe that is irresistible. The detail of the gold trim on the heel give them a look that totally justifies being worn on more “formal” occasions and yet the brown leather keep them versatile for more casual outfits. And the price is totally reasonable for a sandal that can do so much. My birthday is tomorrow…maybe I should treat myself! What do you think of them? Do they look perfect to you too? Or is it just the summer heat talking?
When summer rolls around, I’m a sucker for flowy, flirty, inexpensive dresses. I am drawn to them like a moth to a flame but I’m trying to curb my spending habits this summer, so I’ve abstained. But last week I was in Target and couldn’t help but try on a few. I put them back and was able to walk away. But there was one that haunted me throughout the week. They have this adorable smocked dress in black and blue and I really wanted the royal blue color. Of course, they didn’t have my size so I tried on the black. Cute, very cute. But I wanted the blue, hence my self-control….
….until I went there yesterday and thought, “Well, let me just check to see if they have the blue in my size now.” And they did. So I did. I bought it. It was $24.99, so I justified it to my wallet. And I’m already planning out the good times I’m going to have with that dress, starting with my birthday bbq next weekend.
Sometimes it’s the simple things, you know?
Have you scored any deals on your summer faves this year? Bathing suits, dresses, sandals? Leave a comment and tell me more, tell me more!
It’s a strange choice for me, I’ll admit, but I think I’m going to cast my vote for Gwyneth Paltrow’s stunning, 60s-inspired hot pink Prada minidress as Red Carpet Look of the Week! The star stepped out in this unapologetically girlie dress at the National Movie Awards in London on Wednesday, and I can’t get over how much this shade of pink pops against the red carpet. (In fact, it kinds of borders on clashing, but I honestly dig that about it!) What I love most, however, is the way Gwyneth has really committed to her cause of wearing pink from head to toe, anchoring her bubblegum frock with Barbie-esque Louboutin heels and a pedicure to match. Fun, retro, and surprisingly subversive…what do you think of Gwyneth’s “pretty in pink” moment?
I know we’ve posted about First Lady Michelle Obama’s spot-on fashion sense a lot – okay, a lot - but you’re just going to have to get used to it, especially if she keeps showing up at functions looking like this:
LOVE IT. The shimmery sapphire sheen of her one-shouldered Peter Soronen gown, the Jimmy Choo sandals (accented by perfectly polished pink toenails), the curly bob haircut, the earrings…it all works. She even matched her eyeshadow to her dress! Is it wrong that this is the kind of glamor I hope for when I tune in to the Oscars every year? Mrs. O shows the movie stars how it’s done!
If cheapie fashion retailer Forever 21’s website is any indication, you can get ready to see a whole lot of embroidery this summer. Sometimes embroidered clothes can look a little stuffy or old-fashioned, but when done well, it’s an airy, delicate, feminine look that’s perfect for summer. F21 has a pretty good selection of tops, tunics, dresses and rompers to choose from that all make great use of embroidered detailing, but my favorite is this lovely skirt - only $12.50! Is this a trend you can see yourself getting behind, or are you planning to sit the embroidery craze out for now?
Iron Man 2 made its big premiere last night in Hollywood. It was originally supposed to debut in London but had to relocate because of the volcano ash cloud that has been disrupting worldwide travel. But, as they say in the biz, the show must go on! And go on it did as the stars hit the red carpet in their all-white-glory. Gwyneth Paltrow is back for the franchise’s second go-around and she chose to play with fashion by pairing a white blazer with white shorts:
I have to admit: I remember very clearly the summer of ‘08 when Gwyneth burst back onto the fashion world radar with her super-short minis and her new bobbed haircut, when making the press rounds for the first Iron Man movie. I wanted everything she wore. But this look? Not on my all time favorites list.
Scarlett Johansson has joined the cast of the Iron Man sequel as the villainous Black Widow and last night she matched Gwyneth’s color scheme with a structurally intriguing white dress:
Scarlett wins this fashion round for me. Not that we should necessarily pit the leading ladies against one another, but if I were choosing an outfit to wear to the premiere and I had to choose between only these two options….I’d pick the dress.
But that is just my opinion….I’m much more interested in yours. Tell me…..
If you’re a music fan, you’re already familiar with Coachella, the 3-day outdoor music festival that takes places every spring in Indio, California. Some of the biggest names in music come out to play (this year’s headliners were Jay-Z, Muse and Gorillaz), as well as a host of up-and-coming bands for you to enjoy with, oh, 75,000 or so of your closest friends. Of course, Indio’s close proximity to Los Angeles, coupled with the party vibe of the festival, means that celebs always come out in droves. Since dressing well in warm weather has always been a challenge for me, I was interested to see what kinds of fashion statements they would be rocking as the desert temperatures edged toward the triple digits last weekend. Here are a few of my faves…
Camilla Bell plays it sweet with a floral print dress and white crochet cardigan, then toughens it up with her brown motorcycle boots. Accessories are casual - big sunglasses and arms full of chunky bangles.
Rachel Bilson looks positively adorable in her cuffed denim shorts, loose tank top and summer-ready sandals. Her backpack is roomy enough to hold all of her festival essentials, and she continues the big sunglasses trend, in the interest of both anonymity and eye protection, no doubt.
True, the look is a little "out there," but hats off to Dita Von Teese for finding a way to keep her signature vintage glamourpuss aesthetic going at a 3-day rock concert in the desert! Here, she rocks high-waisted navy blue sailor pants with large white cuffs and a white bustier tank top with - you guessed it - big sunglasses. She even has her trademark perfect hair and makeup in place! Now that is commitment.
I honestly can’t decide whether or not I think this is a good idea, so help me out here: How do you feel about wearing socks…with your heels? This photo of Leighton Meester rocking a painterly print black dress cinched with a belt, accented by a pair of bad-American-tourist-on-vacation black socks and charcoal platforms puzzles me. The outfit shouldn’t work, right? And yet, I find myself liking it. Especially the socks and heels combo. But would I actually wear it? That, my friends, is the question. I suppose the answer depends largely on the sock/shoe combo itself. First, you’ll have to invest in a good pair of lightweight, mid-calf socks - no gold-toed athletic socks bunching up in your sandals! Egads. I like these Ananda Bamboo Turnwelt Crew socks from Sock Dreams ($9). Next, look for a strappy platform sandal, like this Stefanie Caged Heel from Forever 21 ($20.80). You could try to match your socks to your shoes for a more subtle effect, or you could decide to go all out with socks and shoes in contrasting colors…or you could straddle the line between the two and pick socks and shoes in slightly different shades (like Leighton did with her black and charcoal combo here). On one hand, this is a great way to transition from spring to summer, since it lets you break out your pretty hot weather heels while at the same time protecting your tootsies from spring’s cooler temperatures. On the other hand, it does look kind of bizarre. What do you think? Fun & playful or weird & wrong?
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If cheapie fashion retailer Forever 21’s website is any indication, you can get ready to see a whole lot of 
I honestly can’t decide whether or not I think this is a good idea, so help me out here: How do you feel about wearing socks…with your heels? This photo of Leighton Meester rocking a painterly print black dress cinched with a belt, accented by a pair of bad-American-tourist-on-vacation black socks and charcoal platforms puzzles me. The outfit shouldn’t work, right? And yet, I find myself liking it. Especially the socks and heels combo. But would I actually wear it? That, my friends, is the question. I suppose the answer depends largely on the sock/shoe combo itself. First, you’ll have to invest in a good pair of lightweight, mid-calf socks - no gold-toed athletic socks bunching up in your sandals! Egads. I like these 
