Magazine Glam: All Dolled Up! Vogue Italia and Rocawear x So In Style Barbies

Glamazons!

My Managing Editor just got her copy of July's Vogue Italia supplement featuring the Black Barbie - AMAZING! I was in Europe when news hit that the EIC, Franca Sozzani, was dedicating the July issue to the iconic Black Barbie, so I saw all the pictures for the very first time in person. I have to say I was blown away.

Sozzani is the genius behind the Vogue Italia All Black Issue in July 2008, which produced groundbreaking sales and energized the discussion about diversity in the fashion world. Sozzani chose to follow up the All Black issue with the Barbie issue, as an homage to Barbie's timeless, iconic status: "Barbie has been an icon for whole generations which is why I really wanted to give a strong sign in step with the times, and dedicate the anniversary issue to Black Barbie," Sozzani said.

You know black women love their hats! And yes to the posh blouse, skirt and trench!!

Love the Lil Kim wig and the Rage-esque Afro Puffs!
And check the platinum-blonde Chocolate diva below...

Not to complain - I love the tribute - but I'll always wish Barbie could be a bit more shapely. Barbie is an ubiquitous part of popular culture and her influence on body image is immeasurable, thereby making her perpetuation of unattainable standards of beauty & booty even more damaging.

Mattel Designer, Stacey McBride-Irby, echoed my sentiments. After watching her five-year-old daughter play, Stacey was determined to create dolls that her daughter can be inspired by---dolls that truly celebrate cultural diversity through authentic details.

Introducing So In Style fashion dolls. Coming a long way from the inception of the first Black Barbie doll in 1980, the So In Style (S.I.S.) fashion doll boasts fuller lips, wider nose, defined cheekbones, curvy hips and curly hair you can actually style (seriously, Ferocia spent 15 minutes curling and spritzing the doll's hair).

Stacey, who is also responsible for creating the AKA barbie doll, came to visit our office and hooked us each up with a doll. I kept mine for myself instead of giving it to my niece - I know, I'm wrong (I'll buy her one, promise!). Mattel is officially launching the S.I.S. dolls this Fall - see the dolls below.

Here they are dressed in Rocawear...too cute!

You may not be able to tell how shapely the S.I.S. dolls are in pictures but after seeing them up close, I can definitely attest to their hips being wider and bottoms fuller.

Still, despite the impossibly thin physique of the traditional Black Barbie in Vogue, I find the supplement adorable and charming. What do you think? Will you pick up a July Vogue Italia issue? Do you think there's a need for dolls like the S.I.S. Fashion Dolls? Would you buy one for the little girl in your life? Do you think the hair and look of the S.I.S. dolls truly represent black women? If not, what would you change to make them look more authentic? Discuss.


Kisses,

Coutura

CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara Preview

Hi Pretties! Be the first to get your hands on the newest CoverGirl mascara, LashBlastLength! LashBlast Length will be available in stores beginning in September for $7.49...but you can log on to covergirl.com starting August 17 for early purchase.I've had the chance to try it and I'm in love. It will now replace my CoverGirl VolumeExact mascara as my new fave. Let us know what you think once you get one!!
xo
Ferocia

NEW! Rachel Rachel Roy x Macy's Fall Collection Lookbook!

As faithful Glamazon lovers know, I've been drooling over the Rachel Rachel Roy fur vest, sequined blazer and paint-splattered clutch since I went to the launch fete last May. Now, on the brink of the RRR debut in 500 Macy's stores THIS WEEK, Rachel Roy has posted the Fall Lookbook online. Scroll down for our fave spreads from the lookbook (and see the rest on her Facebook fan page). Oh and read my review of the collection (plus pics) here.

Warning: my entire paycheck might be splurged in one shopping trip - don't judge me, I've been waiting for the day I can afford Rachel Roy since it launched in '05! To all my equally frugal & fierce shoppers dying of anticipation, what's the look you can't wait to get your hands on?! Oh and make sure to post here after you shop and tell me which items you added to your wardrobe.

Happy Saving!

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: thefacebook.com/rachelroy

How To Wear: Brights

The Bright Stuff

Michelle Obama may look like a glowing angel in a yellow Michael Kors suit, but head-to-toe color makes most fashionistas look more like the yellow Power Ranger. For those not as daring as our beloved Mrs. Obama, a simple pop of color will still go a long way in lifting your mood and adding some much-needed pizazz to your outfit.

Here are the best tips for mastering summer brights (and for wearing your colorful pieces long into Fall).

Pop Star

If you love brights but want to avoid the 'fashion clown' look, regulate your brights to accessories. A pair of yellow pumps, a bold red necklace, electric blue tights or a neon pink bracelet are safe, chic ways to add a pop of color to your outfit. Better still, they inject your basics with a colorful flair that's on trend for the sunny summer season. Solange nails the look, literally (check her adorable pink nails).





Beauty tip: Bright nails or a bold lip do the trick too and spice up your look (but ladies, read my Rock & Republic cherry red lips, do it in moderation!!).

When it comes to shoes, your options are endless: you can do a solid bright pump, a neutral bootie with bright details or a crazy, colorful bright sandal. Just keep the outfit subtle and complimentary.

Steve Madden pumps, $60, stevemadden.com.


Moschino Cheap & Chic booties, $165, shopbop.com.


Report Signature pumps, $95, shopbop.com.


*Beauty girls, Check the AMAZING Essie Neon Nail Collection below. Ferocia is applying Perky Purple to her toes as I type.



Essie Neon Collection in Punchy Pink, Flirty Fuchsia, Funky Limelight and Perky Purple, $9 each, essie.com.

Oh and here's a beauty tip from the founder herself, Essie Weingarten: “Since neon nail colors produce a matte finish, make sure to apply a base and top coat like essie Protein Base Coat and Good to Go! top coat for a rich, high shine finish.”

Neutral Territory

When brightening up your fashion wardrobe, be sure to balance your colorful pieces with neutrals. What's especially great about this tip is that you can energize your old basic black top and khaki wrap dress with a colorful skirt or tank---and make it look brand new!!! My good friend and I did this recently during a weekday outing at a Spanish food restaurant - my H&M bought neon top made the black pencil skirt I've had since freshmen year of HIGH SCHOOL (I kid you not) look right on trend. Even better? You can bring your summer-bought neon looks into fall by pairing them with a khaki trench or gray cardigan.


Marc Jacob's Spring collection was an homage to brights --- and the black basics that compliment them.

Thank God Rihanna matched her killer Marc by Marc Jacobs blazer with a black tank and jeans - more yellow than this and she's giving me taxi.


My fashion stylist friend, Patrice, and I tone down our yellows with black basics - and she even throws in an animal print belt for fun - pure fabness.



Less is More

For the daring fashionistas who can work a bright outfit (hello Mrs. Obama!), please do the rest of the public a favor by complimenting your bright suit/dress/jumpsuit with subtle accessories. Bright accessories end up competing with your clothes and make you look like a walking box of crayons (see Angela Simmons below - who I LOVE but not in this outfit). Even my glamorous Brooklyn girls who pair a bright yellow dress with cobalt blue pumps---and look super duper fly btw---will tone it down by adding gold jewelry. By accessorizing her look with gold bangles and studs, Michelle lets her gorgeous yellow outfit shine on his own. Follow suit.




Blake gets it right in a pink Micheal Kors dress...Angela, not so much.

Follow these Glamazon tips and rock your brights in style!! And let me know how you're wearing the bright trend this Summer!

Kisses,

Coutura

Ad Glam: Beyonce in Sasha Fierce for Dereon

Doesn't get much crazier, sexier or cooler than Beyonce's new Ad for Sasha Fierce for Dereon. Each pose and look epitomizes the young, fresh & fashionable spirit of the brand! The accessories (pink and black striped socks, the gloves, the glasses, the shades, the shoes!!!) are to die for and the fit is the epitome of body-slimming perfection...well, maybe just on Beyonce, unless the unitard magically gives you curvy hips and impossibly flawless legs!! What do you think of the ad and the Sasha Fierce collection?!

Kisses,

Coutura

FIRST LOOK!!! MAC Black Style

Black is the new black.
I first laid eyes on some of the products from this collection backstage at the Diesel Fall 2009 show and have been chomping at the bit to get my hands on it. And here it is! (Well, at least some of them anyways.) I will admit, it's a bit daring, very goth, but with the right attitude, you can definitely pull it off. (That's me modelling the Glimmerglass in Blackware. What do you think? Would you wear it?!).
*All products mentioned below are U.S. price points. Products will hit MAC stores and maccosmetics.com in North America September 24, 2009; international October 2009.
xo
Ferocia


(from l to r) Cream Colour Base in Black, $16.50; Eyeshadows in Cinderfella, Blue Flame, Young Punk & Gilt by Association, $19.50 each



(from l to r) Glimmerglass in BlackFire, $18; Mattene Lipstick in Midnight Media, $14.50; CremeSheen Lipstick in Black Knight, $14; Glimmerglass in Blackware, $18


A model rocking the finished look backstage at the Diesel Fall 2009 show. According to Charlotte Tillbury (head makeup artist for the show) the inspiration for the look was the Great Depression of the 1930's.
"But this is a more modern, rock and roll version," she said. "The eye is black with wet look, like she's been up all night partying with a jazz band. The lips are red and the edges are smudged, like she's finished making out with her boyfriend."



Here's an example of the "wet" eye Tillbury was talking about. She's polishing on more of the MAC gloss on one of the models backstage.


And here's the finished look! Head hairstylist at the show Eugene (for Wella) described the look as 18th century.
"It's like a very rich woman who has fallen down on her luck," he said. "Think a french courtesan look."

Line it Up: Bobbi Brown Fall 2009 Collection

By now, you should know that I'm obsessed with bronzer, Victoria's Secret models and lip gloss (and not necessarily in that order). Another to add to the list?: Eyeliner. Whether it be in pencil or liquid form, I just gotta use it...every day.
Now, I must admit that it took me a minute to even figure out HOW to use it. I'd see other girls wearing it in college and wonder how the heck they put it on so efficiently without poking themselves in the eye. So, I patiently tested it myself. Very patiently. Because there were many times where I DID poke myself in the eye. (Or draw a bit outside the lines haha)
And now I can honestly say I've gotten it down. (It only took me a couple of months...I remember I was also trying to figure out how to curl my hair with my CHI iron around the same time, so I felt like a supastar that I'd mastered both...go me!)
Which leads me to my NEW favorite, super easy to use pencil eyeliner. Yes, it's from Bobbi Brown. The woman is a genius, I tell you. These are probably the easiest eyeliners I've ever used. And the formula stays put.
I'm talking about non other than the Bobbi Brown Creamy Eye Pencil! It applies smoothly and evenly while still providing intense color. Each pencil has a built-in smudger at the end to soften liner for a subtle, smoky effect. Available in 9 shades (from Jet, a rich black, to Mahogany, a dusky brown; my fave is Caviar, a smoldering black), they retail for $20. (That's mine pictured there..as you can see, it gets alot of use haha)
If you're into the gel eyeliner, she's got you covered there as well with the Forest Shimmer Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner. It's a deep green with golden pearls and really makes your eyes pop. ($21).
AND you must scoop the limited edition eye shadows as well. Available in two shades (Autumn Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow & Bash Metallic Eye Shadow, $20 each, available August 09), these pearlized shadows are perfect for fall. Use the Angle Eye Shadow Brush to hit all the corners, creases or just all over your eyelids! ($28).
Also in the collection are the adorable Lip Crayons. These little chubsters fit perfectly in your hands for easy application and comes in 6 shades. ($22)
All of these amazing products are part of the Fall 2009 collection (aptly titled 'Ivy League Collection) and will be available for purchase next month (August 2009) at Bobbi Brown counters nationwide as well as at bobbibrown.com.
xo
Ferocia



I'm thinking I might rock this look one day? What do you think of it? This is from the Catherine Malandrino Fall 2009 show. MAC makeup artist Tom Pecheaux said he used eyeliner in 3 places: the crease, above the lashes to add definition and underneath the eyes (but not touching the bottom lashes). "It gives an illusion; a different perspective to the eye," he said.

Maybelline New York Takes Over Fashion Week

I must say that I was in a bit of shock to go through my e-mails after a week of vacation to see that Maybelline would be the official cosmetic sponsor for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NY. I'd heard the rumors for sure, but didn't think that it would actually be true! So, starting with the Spring 2010 collections (debuting September 2009) and for the next two years, we'll be seeing all Maybelline. Headed up by the brand's Global Makeup Artist Charlotte Willer, the brand will support several designers such as Charlotte Ronson, Tracy Reese, Michael Angel and Erin Wasson x RVCA.
I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that I'll still get to see plenty of my MAC girls backstage at some of the fashion shows. I mean, hands down, they're like one of my fave beauty cosmetics PR teams. Especially Heather Park. She's like my sister from another mister. (No, she did not pay me to say that haha) AND hopefully they'll still have that amazing MAC lounge backstage...posted is a pic of myself and Heather in the lounge from the Fall 2009 collections. Ah, well, change isn't always a bad thing I suppose. I'm definitely still looking forward to the upcoming shows!
xo
Ferocia

Street Glam: What You're Wearing In...

...New Orleans!!

Everybody loves a famous style maven, from Zoe Kravitz to Kelis, but Ferocia and I are firm believers that the most GLAM looks are right at home. That's why each week, we highlight the fiercest fashions in every city (and eventually, we'll go global). This time, we're picking our fave fashionistas from the most culturally distinct city in the US---New Orleans!!

From maxidresses to boyfriend shirts to crisp white parasol umbrellas to gladiator wedges, in the sweltering New Orleans heat, the look is effortless, understated cool.

These five fashionistas from the French Quarter get our vote for best Street Glam style. They embody Nawlins fashion in looks that are as eclectic as they are chic.

Glamazons, now all you have to do is email us at:

theglamazonsblog@gmail.com

...with pictures of the amazing street style (of ladies and gents) in your city! You know the fashionista who always walks out of her house looking like she belongs on a magazine cover? The man who's perennially fashion-forward whether he's going on a date or heading to the gym? We want them. Can't wait to see your submissions!!

Talk soon!

Kisses,

Coutura

Stylist Spotlight: How To Recession Proof Your Wardrobe

Hey Glamazons,

Shopper's withdrawal. A condition affecting several young women like me, who were living the lavish life---hitting Forever 21 weekly, splurging at Saks, making afternoon trips to Soho---before the Recession. Now that the economy has taken a nosedive, afflicted women are suffering from such horrible symptoms as...avoiding the malls like the plague, fighting the urge to buy a new dress as they walk hurriedly by H&M or worse, trying on ten pairs of shoes at Nine West only to walk out discouraged and empty-handed.

Accomplished stylist, Dawn Del Russo, has found the cure. The owner of online boutique belladawn.com, Del Russo has been featured everywhere from In Style to Real Simple, and has an amazing "How-To" book scheduled for release this Winter, chockfull of style tips and advice.

Fab Fashion Stylist Dawn Del Russo

In the meantime, she is sharing a few of her expert tips with The Glamazons on how to make the most of your wardrobe during tough times:

• Avoid Wire Hangers – They may rust, leave stains, tear clothing and leave embarrassing dents in the shoulders. Padded and rounded hangers are best. (Cheat Tip: wrap tissue around your hangers. It will preserve the shape in shoulders and preventing unsightly creases and droopy.)
  
• Fold your Knits- Knitted garments are sensitive so keep them folded. Remember: fold them a little differently each time so they will not develop creases.
  
• Life of your Clothing - Separate laundry by color. Try a specialty detergent like “The Laundress,” who carries a line of detergents for whites darks & denim, and colors. The better you care for your garments, the longer they will last and less you have to purchase.
  
• Re-Invent Clothing – Take a long skirt and turn it into a belted dress with a long sleeve top underneath.
• Re-work Jewelry- Find old pieces from your great grandmother’s jewelry box, attach a bold brooch to and old chain and connect 2 bracelets to make a necklace.
• Shop Smart- Online, you can find some of the best sales around with the lowest discounts, free shipping and gift give-a-ways. Why not take advantage of the slow market?

I personally love the Re-Invent Clothing and Re-Work Jewelry tips! As every Glamazon knows, you can make vintage and inexpensive pieces look like a million bucks by styling it the right way. And fortunately for us, belladawn.com is hooking every fashionista up with her own personal celebrity stylist---for as little as $20. It's called "Stylist on Call," and here's how it works:

With Stylist on Call, you can get instant feedback on your ensemble or expert fashion advice from accomplished stylist, Dawn Del Russo. Available for appointment everyday from 7:30am-11pm, Dawn can give style tips through live webcam interaction or answer questions via phone, email or instant messenger.

Click here for more information: http://www.belladawn.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BD&Product_Code=BD-SS08-SOC&Category_Code=SS

Here's to staying fab in the recession!

Kisses,

Coutura