Fashion, meet function. More than ever, this season's casual footwear works no matter what the weather brings. The new styles are tough, fashion-forward, durable and even sexy depending on how you wear it. My favorite styles for women AND men? Workboots for either gender, Man Uggs strictly for the guys.
MAN UGGS
Let's be clear: this is NOT the look at all.
The new UGG style, Butte, is cool, sleek, rainproof and Glamazon-approved. My favorite boot of the season for Men, hands down.
$220, uggaustralia.com.
WORKBOOTS
This style of boot is perfect for men and women; and should look rugged and relaxed (don't tie your shoelaces all the way up). While ladies shouldn't pair them with a frilly, ruffled skirt, don't be afraid to mix them with a sweater dress or leggings. The juxtaposition of girly and gritty is so alluring.
I am obsessed with Janet's new single and vid, Make Me, off her Number Ones album. The black and white video is the perfect blend of retro and modern with it's signature Janet-esque dance sequences and funky interpretation of beauty and fashion trends.
Janet's Todd Lynn metallic shoulder pads, her dancer's worker boots, her amazing, silver dangling earrings, her pompadour hairstyle and dark lips = the stuff of fashion/beauty legend. And I can't wait to learn every dance move.
Check out the amazing dance sequences and looks below and tell me what you think.
As you know from our AMA '09 post below, we loved singer Alicia Keys' look. And, of course, we just knew that it had to be the work of Pantene celebrity stylist Tippi Shorter. Read on to get the scoop on how she created the look!
Fresh off of a recent hair lightening, Tippi started by washing Alicia's tresses wtih Pantene Pro-V Color Revival Shampoo & Conditioner to keep her hair color looking healthy and vibrant for the cameras.
Tippi knew Alicia would not only be walking the red carpet, but also performing twice onstage, so she created a fun updo that would transform effortlessly throughout the night. Since Alicia is known mostly for her braids, Tippi decided to keep the braid, but give it a lighter, more romantic feel.
Tippi sprayed Alicia's freshly washed hair with Pantene Pro-V Detangling Light Conditioning Spray to condition and protect the hair before heat styling. She then blew out the hair using a Mason Pearson brush. Tippi sectioned the hair into three sections from front to back, gathered the two outermost sections and secured a ponytail using Ojon Animated Styling Cream. With the center section, Tippi started an off-center braid from the nape all the way to the front. She then tucked the end of the braid underneath the main braid and secured with bobby pins. Tippi finished the look with Ojon Tunu Elastik Hairspray and Bed Head Headrush Shine Adrenaline Superfine Mist Spray.
Next Monday, the one-and-only Diddy is moving his platform from hit records to home shoppers. The newly 40-year old mogul, who has become a staple on VH1 and MTV, will make his debut on HSN on November 30th at 11am. He will be the first 'big name' ever to sell a fragrance on the increasingly popular shopping channel.
A bit risky, but if anyone can sell an audience a product they can't test for themselves, it's Diddy (we credit his Harlem roots!). He will promote his fragrances, Unforgivable and I Am King (which both smell great in my opinion) in an interview which, HSN CEO, Mindy Grossman, jokingly calls "Behind the Fragrance."
Glamazons, are you shocked by the collaboration?
I'm not. With the staggering sales celebrities like Serena Williams and Iman have enjoyed recently on HSN, it was only a matter of time before Diddy utilized the channel's promotional power.
Do you think he'll be successful at selling fragrances on TV?
I think viewers will love his signature charm and charisma and will put their dollars toward it. Diddy's always been better at selling products than artists, as evidenced by his recent troubles with Day 26, the latest act to split from Bad Boy.
By now, we've all seen and heard about the spectacles at Sunday's American Music Awards that everyone is talking about: Jennifer Lopez falling on her ass-et (what's more appalling to me is performing a "Louboutin" song not wearing Louboutins), Adam Lambert making out with a man, Jay-Z taking an alleged jab at 50 Cent while Chris Brown tweets "Cornball" and Q-Tip tweets about "cocky rappers."
But to me, the fashion was just as troubling.
While some celebrities looked beautiful, others took fashion risks that didn't quite pay off (Rihanna) or made amateur style faux pauxs (Whitney, where was your shapewear?).
Take a look at the celebrities that made us turn heads or scratch our heads and give your verdict: Glam or a Sham?
We loved Whitney Houston's ruched white gown but a Spanx would've smoothed out her (tiny) tummy.
Not at all crazy about Rihanna'sMarchesa ballgown with floral cut-outs, and Easter Sunday ready white Mary Jane pumps. However, the red cat eyes (and Neil Lane jewelry) were everything.
We think Rihanna's body is AMAZING but the Fifth Element meets Amber Rose bandaged suit was way too much for us.
Lady Gaga's antics always amuse but the unsightly strap over her panties looks like a diaper or holster. Odd...not in a good way.
Alicia Key'sArmani Prive dress was adorable, fresh and sexy. We love how she highlighted her amazing legs and kept her Lorraine Schwartz jewelry simple and stunning.
Her fall may be the talk of the town, but Jennifer Lopez's Marchesa feathery dress with beaded bodice totally makes up for it.
I live for Fergie's studded Armani Prive gown. Equal parts daring and dazzling.
Does it get any chicer than Shakira's yellow Versace minidress and Lorraine Schwartz jewels? Note to Rihanna: this is how cut-outs should be done.
I think the Biker Chic trend is completely overdone here. And Leona Lewis' soft hairstyle with cascading ringlets seems out of place when paired with her leather Vivienne Westwood dress, chains AND a three-finger ring. Not a fan.
We thought Mary J. Blige looked elegant but a tad too dressy for the event. Nonetheless, her expertly-styled blonde cut was the perfect complement to her glowing skin.
We loved Keri Hilson's sparkly Louise Golden minidress and Alaia booties. She always gets it right.
Though some critics feel Toni Braxton's dress is a bit too revealing for a 40-something star, I think her gown---and body---look stunning. The messy updo, on the other hand, is not red-carpet friendly. And she could've put that boy in a suit.
I think velvet is always a controversial choice, but when done right, it looks expensive and dapper. Jay-Z slightly misses the mark, in my opinion, with the brown color.
What do you think about these looks, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?
To the delight of frugal shoppers everywhere, Target just announced two designer collaborations, Cynthia Vincent and Eugenia Kim, that will revitalize your accessories' collection this April. After a number of collaborations including Jean Paul Gaultier and Anna Sui, it's only right that Target expand to designer shoes and hats, a first for the retailer.
This is doubly exciting as milliner, Eugenia Kim's hats (as seen on Nicole Richie below) and Cynthia Vincent's shoes (she's famous for amazing flats) are delightful but always on the expensive side. I'm eager to see what great patterns and styles they'll offer up at Target, just in time for Spring. And you know a woman can never have too many accessories.
Nicole Richie in Eugenia Kim's plaid hat.
Recessionistas can shop both collections when they debut in stores and on the web on April 18th. Vincent's collection will be available until July 1 while Eugenia's line will be sold until June 20th.
Glamazons, will you shop the Eugenia Kim and Cynthia Vincent for Target collections when it hits stores? Kisses,
As I sit here at a cafe typing away sans makeup, I started to look around at all the other women around me reading or on their laptops and noticed that they were wearing makeup as well.
(Ok, sidenote: my idea of no makeup means that I've foregone the most important things such as eyeliner, eyeshadow, blush and lipcolor for a bare look. This includes only face powder (MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus) mascara (today it's Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara) and a bit of lip balm (today it's the new Christian Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm). The only time I really wear no makeup is when I'm asleep.)
Living in NY, you never know who you might see (I saw Robert DeNiro in Tribeca the other night!) so you must always look your best. Whether you want to be a model or snag a job working at a magazine, your looks can take you a long way in the Big Apple.
All of this makes me wonder: How much makeup do women really wear on a daily basis ?
We all know about celebrities and how they wear makeup everywhere; from hitting the grocery store to a stroll around the block. However, there are some that forego it unless they're working on a set somewhere. (One of the most popular ways to see a celebrity without makeup is in the yearly People magazine's Most Beautiful People issue in which they do photoshoots with some celebs sans makeup.)
Singer Mariah Carey (pictured above) played a social worker in the movie 'Precious' wearing no makeup as well. (Which, I must say, was rather shocking to see considering that she's the queen of freshly coiffed hair and a perfectly made up face.) However, as shocking as it was to see her in that manner, it was also kind of refreshing. In the world of photoshopped and spanxed celebrities, it's nice to see a female celeb showcase her true self for the world to see.
Being that I have worked in the beauty sector of the magazine industry, I have enough makeup in my collection to doll up women in a third world country. (And I give it away and still have tons left...not that I'm complaining about it, but just wanted to give you an example haha)
Because I have so much of it, I feel like I NEED to wear it...and I have fun trying new looks.
(Sidenote: the Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume II seriously rocks my world! I can create a million and one looks with it!)
And if I don't wear any makeup, I feel naked! Plus, I look so much hotter with it on than without!
Tell us ladies, how much makeup do you wear on a daily basis? If you don't wear it, do you feel naked as well? And (to the men), do you ever even notice when a woman isn't wearing makeup?!
Hey Glamazons! We just can't get over how fab Rihanna looks as a blonde! So, I caught up with celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen to get the scoop on how she created the look. Here's what she had to say:
"The coloring process is hard work and dedication. Rihanna was determined to be a blonde this time around, and I was determined to make her happy! I've been coloring her hair black for at least two to three years. I had to strip the black and after two separate processes we finally got the color we wanted! Right now I'm just moisturizing her hair every chance I get, and using as little heat as possible."
When it comes to caring for Rihanna's colored locks, Stephen said she uses a color-preserving hair conditioner to maximize hair color retention.
"I follow with Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion - Regular Hold as it gives the hair a soft, flexible hold. For styling I use my own cocktail of thermal protectant and leave-in conditioner . Minimal flat ironing follows with a spray of Motions Light Hold Working Spritz for styling hold. (It gives a hold without drying the hair.) Moisture is key right now for the hair color."
I know, I know, I'm slightly late with this post so you've probably read all about the 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show that happened this past Thursday night in New York.
But seriously Glamazons, I (Ferocia) have been running on fumes for the past couple of weeks and booked a last second flight back home to chill out and catch my breath for a second. (City life can get pretty harsh sometimes! Not that I'm complaining about it, but it's good to take a break every now and again.) So, with that said, apologies for not posting earlier, but I was busy packing and jumping on a plane. Now that I'm settled, read on to get my opinion of the show!
You all should know by now about my secret obsession with the Victoria's Secret Angels and I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to the show (thanks to the lovely AJ from VS Beauty...she seriously rocks my world!) Despite the dreary weather, I headed over to the site super excited! There were several other beauty editors/directors in attendance (including my lovely friends Erica Metzger from Ladies Home Journal; Heather Muir from Seventeen; April Franzino from Good Housekeeping and Leah Wyer from Cosmopolitan.
(from l to r) Erica, Heather & April
Leah Wyer (beauty director at Cosmopolitan magazine)
While waiting for the show to begin, I spotted several celebrities walking into my section in search of their seats including Russell Simmons (who brushed right past me!) and fashion designers Zac Posen and Christian Siriano (whom I love, love, love!). Further down across the way I spotted marketing guru Steve Stoute (whom I've been secretly obsessed with meeting since I moved to the NY three years ago!), Jay Z (looking dapper in a black suit complete with bow tie; probably in preparation for Diddy's birthday party which was also happening that night) and Dr. Dre. Singer Keri Hilson looked waltzed in looking atothemazing and actress Michelle Trachtenberg looked pretty, but very pale (ew).
Jay -Z and Dr. Dre at the VS Show 2009
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg at the VS Show 2009
It was while waiting for the show to begin that I started to think about last year's show in Miami and how there was something missing about this year's show versus last year's. (I was also fortunate enough to attend the show last year, click here to read all about it!)
This year, there was no electricity in the air; no buzz. Granted, there was plenty of noise due to the mosh pit of teenagers near the stage that (I heard) were specially flown in to dance and yell in the hopes of making the crowd of jaded New Yorkers seem alive on television. Maybe it was the rain outside...or maybe it was the fact that I was extremely tired. I don't know...there just didn't seem to be as much excitement this year. I think Miami (or any other tropical city) are the perfect sites for this type of show....I mean, beaches, pools and sunshine go hand in hand with beautiful, half-naked women, wouldn't you agree?!
The show itself was pretty awesome! This year's musical guest were The Black Eyed Peas and one look at Fergie's legs and ass in those fish nets was enough to make me want to start squatting on the spot! (Her and Beyonce's bodies are my inspiration to hit the gym haha).
The Black Eyed Peas performing at the VS Show 2009
The first performance was "Boom Boom Boom" (one of my fave work out songs!) and was complete with glowing neon colored-clad background dancers and flashing neon lights. I couldn't help but to bop along in my seat (that beat is infectious!). I also loved the huge blow-up polka dotted dog that was in the middle of the stage during the PINK section of the show.
Other than the Black Eyed Peas' musical performances, the surprise of seeing Heidi Klum walking (she just popped out a baby! granted she wasn't as naked as she usually is presumably because she's still on a hardcore workout regime to get tight again, but she still looked gorge!) and the fact that I got to hang out again with my beauty editor friends, I didn't really find anything else too intriguing about the show.
VS Angel Heidi Klum works the stage at the VS Show 2009!
Chanel Iman looked cute (as usual) and Sesilee Lopez looked fierce in those green thigh high boots and matching lingerie set (I'd kill for a stomach like hers!). I was excited to see Liu Wen walk in the show..she's the first Asian model to do so and I hope that the VS brand continues to keep adding a more diverse roster of models to the show roster.
Chanel Iman shows off her 'ass'ets at the VS Show 2009.
Missing VS Angels this year were Karolina Kurkova (who just had a baby) and Adriana Lima (who's still pregnant).
VS Angel Alessandra Ambrosio gives a new definition to the "hot" in hot pink during the VS Show 2009!
I did manage to snap a couple of pics on my camera phone (shhh! We weren't supposed to take any pics during the show haha)
Pretty pink and green scene from the VS Show 2009
All of the models came out at the end of the show.
Did anyone else attend this year's show? If so, what did you think? Let us know.
And don't forget to watch the show when it airs on CBS Thursday, Dec. 1 at 10/9 central!
Kandi Burress from Bravo's Real Housewives Of Atlanta officially opened her clothing and accessories boutique TAGS this week. Located in Smyrna's West Village, the boutique, which she owns with friend Peaches Chin, will feature "luxury for less" pieces, ranging from dresses to coats to trendy tees, for under $100.
Kandi shared with The Glamazons early October that the TAGline would be "Pop Bottles. Pop Cherries. Pop Tags." Adore it, and Kandi is sure Atlanta's many style mavens will too. “Atlanta is a fashion town. Anybody who loves fashion will love this store!" Kandi has said.
Check out pictures from this week's opening party, where Kandi celebrated the launch alongside her former RHOA castmates, Dwight Eubanks, Lisa Wu-Hartwell and Kim Zolciak (Mrs. Nene Leakes was nowhere to be found). She even said she'd be open to sell Lisa's line, Closet Freak, and Sheree's She by Sheree at her store. If she has any sense, she'll be playing Kim's "Tardy for the Party," from the speakers too. We love that song at the Glamazons (and are not ashamed; the production was great!).
Tell me what you think about the clothes below. Will you shop at Kandi's new boutique?
Since Alicia Keys' debut in 2001, her songs have provided inspiration to millions of listeners around the world. Now, she's packaging her positivity in a new way: through inscribed messages on cuffs and necklaces.
Next Monday, Keys is launching a new jewelry collection with designer Gisele Theriault, where each item is inscribed with inspirational poems and prayers, via WWD.com.
Entitled "The Barber's Daughters," the collection ranges from $85 - $2,500. It won't be available for purchase until next year but fans can preview the collection next Monday and Tuesday at Collette Blanchard Gallery in NYC.
“I fell in love with the individuality of the pieces, but more than that, the words that were written on them really resonated with the songwriter in me,” Keys told WWD about the silver and gemstone pieces. Alicia hinted to WWD about more forays into fashion, saying that "Jewelry is a great first step." Judging from the elegant craftmanship of "The Barber's Daughters" line, I'm sure we have a lot to look forward to from Ms. Keys.
Check the pictures from her jewelry collection below. I am as in LOVE with that sterling silver cuff as I am with her emotional new single, "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" off the album, "The Element of Freedom." Watch the video below and let me know what you think of "The Barber's Daughters."
He's made a name in the fashion industry designing awe-inspiring gowns for the rich and famous, but Zac Posen's latest venture appeals to the "Lower East Side girl."
The collection, worthy of Manhattan's trendy, downtown crowd, is "Z Spoke," Posen's new diffusion line for Saks Fifth Avenue. Compared to his eveningwear line which can cost up to $12,000, "Z Spoke" starts at a mere $78 for a t-shirt and can cost up to $675 for a dress, via WWD.com.
A sophisticated line of dresses, separates and sportswear, "Z Spoke" signifies a trendier, more youthful direction for the designer. The significant elements of his design aesthetic, however, remain the same: quality craftmanship, ladylike charm and the perfect, feminine silhouette (no one knows a woman's body quite like Zac.)
Zac is adamant about differentiating between his diffusion lines and the many high-end collaborations with retail giants launching as of late. “It’s not Zac-for-less, it’s not the little sister collection at all,” Posen told WWD. “The dresses — that’s something I can do with my eyes closed. This is about a new identity.”
This new direction for the designer is sure to be as popular as his collection of gowns, which I saw firsthand at the breathtaking Fall 2009 show (an evening I will never forget!). Check out images from "Z Spoke" below and let me know what you think!
Glamazon fan and celeb stylist, June Ambrose, shut the red carpet down at Diddy's 40th birthday party on Thursday. Haute pepper approved!!
Glamazon Obsession of the Week
Lady Gaga in American Vogue as the witch from Hansel & Gretel. Genius.
Glamazon Disaster of the Week
Sammy Sosa's claim of "softening" his skin with a bleaching cream isn't fooling anyone. He could've used Dove lotion, got soft skin and kept his complexion too. Disaster!
"Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her." - Wilhela Cushman
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” - Coco Chanel
"You have a better life if you wear impressive clothes." - Vivienne Westwood
"Fashions fade, style is eternal." - Yves Saint Laurent
"A girl should always be two things: classy and fabulous." - Coco Chanel
All images on theglamazons.blogspot.com are readily available on the Internet and believed to be in public domain. Images posted are believed to be published according to the U.S. Copyright Fair Use Act (title 17, U.S. Code.)
