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?
Tim Burton’s fanciful 3D take on Alice in Wonderland has inspired a ton of fashion and beauty-related tie-ins, from nail polish to eye shadow to jewelry. The latest offering to come to my attention is Forever 21’s brand new Twisted Wonderland collection, which has Alice-inspired dresses, skirts, tops, shoes, headbands and more. Take, for instance, this Timepiece Striped Sweater Top ($19.80), which features a hot pink clock on a black and white striped tank - very White Rabbit. There is also a Cheshire Kitty Knit Top, Rose Garden Romper, satin peep-toe heels, and a headband with an enormous black bow on it for that Alice-meets-Mad-Hatter look. What do you think of the collection? Are you ready to follow F21 down the rabbit hole, or are you going to take a pass on this playful look?
Spring is in full bloom and that means summer is just around the corner! I know many of you ladies are looking to get fit and fabulous for the summer and what better way to get started than to invest in a pair of new yoga pants? For those of you that know me, you know that I live in yoga pants. They’re stretchy, comfortable and they make my butt and legs look better! Also, there’s just something about having cute workout clothes that motivates me to go work out. This week, I’m going to be reviewing a couple of my favorites:
Colors: check out the website, because they have too many to list and some colors are seasonal. The black ones come with waistbands in all sorts of colors, like white, pink, and lagoon.
Sizes: 2-12
Lengths: Regular and Tall (free tailoring comes with purchase)
The Lululemon Groove Pant is definitely my favorite yoga pants. Lululemon pants are a favorite of celebrities everywhere (and also one of Lululemon’s best selling pants) They are made with luon (Lululemon’s signature fabric), with a smooth and flat waistband that comes in an assortment of colors (my current favorite is lagoon). The groove pant comes with a waistband pocket for your gym card, ID, or key, perfect for the gym or a jog outside. Best of all, these pants are reversible, so it’s like you’re getting two pairs of pants for the price of one! And Lululemon pants are pricey. According to recent reviews, Lululemon made some changes to the materials and fabric they use to construct these pants, and reviewers have noted that these pants tend to pill after several washes, so beware of that. Also, if you’re short like me (I’m 5′2″), you will need to get them hemmed. The ladies at Lululemon will measure you and send your pants off to the tailor (free of charge) and you pick them up 6-8 business days later.
Lengths: Petite (28″ inseam), Regular (31″ inseam), Tall (34″ inseam)
I have been eyeing these pants since I discovered them, but apparently the Kickbooty pant is so popular that it’s always sold out in the most popular sizes and colors. *sigh* I will keep stalking the Athleta website until then. Athleta is part of the Gap company, so if you have a Gap or Banana Republic card, you get free shipping with your order! Athleta does not currently have any brick and mortar stores, so all purchases will be delivered to you via mail. The Kickbooty Pants are made with Pilayo, a fabric that is “ultimately stretchy, breathable and soft,” according to their website and is perfect for yoga and dance. Customers have gushed about how great these pants will make your butt look, so even if you’re not in your tip top shape, these pants will help you hide it! Most customers find that these pants are true to size, but a few commented that they were a tad tight and short, so check out the sizing chart carefully and read the reviews before you buy.
There are several other companies I want to scope out, I’ll keep you Latest Beauty readers updated.
I’ve been looking forward to the recently released biopic The Runaways ever since the first on-set photos started surfacing last year. (In case you’re not familiar with the group that the film is based on, they were an all-girl band that started in the mid-70s, when all of the members - including future hard rock legends Joan Jett and Lita Ford and frontwoman Cherie Currie - were just teenagers.) Kristen Stewart took a break between Twilight sequels to play Joan, while Dakota Fanning sheds her child star image to play the truly wild 15-year-old Cherie, who takes to strutting around the stage in little more than a corset and thigh-high stockings as her stage persona develops and the band’s exploitation begins to spiral out of control. The movie, which was directed by music video auteur Floria Sigismondi, is a little formulaic (dizzying rise to fame, on-the-road debauchery and excess, post-band redemption…check, check and check) but it’s a fun ride, and the performances are terrific. But, above all else, this is a film about style - the edgy, tough, undeniably ’70s rock and roll style that the Runaways epitomized. Some of my favorite fashion moments from the movie:
Cherie’s David Bowie belt buckle
Shag haircuts for all!
Platform boots, sandals and heels…platforms everywhere
Joan’s black Converse sneakers
Jumpsuits! Denim with cutouts for Cherie, skintight red leather for Joan
Oh, the smoky eyes…
Have you seen The Runaways yet? What did you think? And, more importantly, would you actually adopt any of these fashion cues into your own wardrobe?
Pardon me while I dream about spring for a minute….
I was browsing through Piperlime’s clothing section and came across this plaid shirt dress that I immediately started obsessing over:
I love the colors and the way it belts and I even liked the grey heels that they styled it with. I got all excited to order it and then I realized it was $139…out of my budget for a shirt dress.
…for only $22.90. I’m not as crazy about the colors as I am about the Piperlime one…but I am much crazier about the price. Just goes to show that it can pay to shop around. Now I think I can afford the heels too!
Iconic fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who was legendary for his edgy designs and rabble-rousing attitude, was found dead at his home in London yesterday. While McQueen originally rose to prominence as a tailor working on London’s tony menswear hub Savile Row, he later became the head designer for Givenchy and the ultimate force to be reckoned with in the world of avant-garde haute couture. More recently, he released an affordable take on his McQ Alexander McQueen line through the Target Designer Collaborations series. The cause of death is still unconfirmed, but rumors are circulating that McQueen may have committed suicide; his mother passed away less than two weeks ago. As the fashion world continues to mourn the loss of a true visionary, take a look at some of Alexander McQueen’s most memorable designs here, and view a slideshow of celebrities who have worn some of his more daring creations on red carpets over the years here. Rest in Peace, Lee Alexander McQueen; you will be missed.
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….
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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 
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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 
Tim Burton’s fanciful 3D take on Alice in Wonderland has inspired a ton of fashion and beauty-related tie-ins, from nail polish to eye shadow to jewelry. The latest offering to come to my attention is Forever 21’s brand new 
(In case you’re not familiar with the group that the film is based on, they were an all-girl band that started in the mid-70s, when all of the members - including future hard rock legends Joan Jett and Lita Ford and frontwoman Cherie Currie - were just teenagers.) Kristen Stewart took a break between Twilight sequels to play Joan, while Dakota Fanning sheds her child star image to play the truly wild 15-year-old Cherie, who takes to strutting around the stage in little more than a corset and thigh-high stockings as her stage persona develops and the band’s exploitation begins to spiral out of control. The movie, which was directed by music video auteur Floria Sigismondi, is a little formulaic (dizzying rise to fame, on-the-road debauchery and excess, post-band redemption…check, check and check) but it’s a fun ride, and the performances are terrific. But, above all else, this is a film about style - the edgy, tough, undeniably ’70s rock and roll style that the Runaways epitomized. Some of my favorite fashion moments from the movie:
I love the colors and the way it belts and I even liked the grey heels that they styled it with. I got all excited to order it and then I realized it was $139…out of my budget for a shirt dress.
…for only $22.90. I’m not as crazy about the colors as I am about the Piperlime one…but I am much crazier about the price. Just goes to show that it can pay to shop around. Now I think I can afford the heels too!
Iconic fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who was legendary for his edgy designs and rabble-rousing attitude, was found dead at his home in London yesterday. While McQueen originally rose to prominence as a tailor working on London’s tony menswear hub Savile Row, he later became the head designer for Givenchy and the ultimate force to be reckoned with in the world of avant-garde haute couture. More recently, he released an affordable take on his McQ Alexander McQueen line through the Target Designer Collaborations series. The cause of death is still unconfirmed, but rumors are circulating that McQueen may have committed suicide; his mother passed away less than two weeks ago. As the fashion world continues to mourn the loss of a true visionary, take a look at some of Alexander McQueen’s most memorable designs 
