First Look! Catherine Malandrino X FFAWN X Mary J. Blige Collection (Modeled by the Gorgeous Sessilee Lopez!)

Now that Mary J. Blige's $1,000 Charity Fashion Show has passed, it's time to focus on the fun part: the beautiful, irresistibly chic clothes from the new Catherine Malandrino/FFAWN Resort 2011 collection.

With the exception of a glorious, printed dress bursting with tropical colors, the collection is centered in fashion's perennially chic hue---black. However, it gets its interest and flair from elegant jeweled adornments and fringe details that decorate skirts and tops. Metallic jackets, tie-up sandals and glittering belts imbue this collection with refined charm and brazen edge.

As can be expected from Catherine Malandrino, the silhouettes are tailor-made to accentuate the most beautiful parts of a woman's curves. She expertly uses draping in both dresses and harem pants to emphasize and enhance a gorgeous, feminine shape. The accessories, like a jeweled bracelet and statement necklace, are just as elegant and striking.

Check out the pieces below and let me know which look is your favorite. See more on www.catherinemalandrino.com.
 

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And here are the lovely Mary J. Blige and Catherine Malandrino making a speech about the collection. Cute!

Kisses,

Coutura

Pictures Courtesy of Catherine Malandrino.

Designer Crush: Rihanna and Coutura are Lusting Over Johnny Vincent Swimwear

When it's time for Rihanna to hit the beach in Barbados, and me to go for a swim in Miami, we both turn to Johnny Vincent swimwear. From an adorably chic pink ruffled bikini to a sleek, sultry black one-piece, Johnny Vincent's designs are for fashion mavens who like all eyes on them.

The designer, Celeste Johnny, gives every swimsuit a unique, Caribbean flair that commands attention. My favorite? A sizzling sexy animal print v-neck one-piece that's essentially a wrap dress in swimsuit form!

Whether lounging poolside in Vegas or swimming in clear water on a tropical island, you'll stand out in these spectacular swimsuits.

Scroll down for some of my favorite pieces and check out the fashion show from BET's Rip the Runway. Visit Johnny Vincent Online to view the full collection.

Kisses,

Coutura

GLAM OR SHAM?: Kelly Rowland Channels Diana Ross with Big Hair

Yaaasss, Kelly Rowland!

The beautiful R&B songstress' new look is giving me over-the-top, Diana Ross/Donna Summer glamour. To promote her latest album, new video ("Commander" featuring David Guetta) and single ("Grown Woman"), Kelly has been spotted out and about rocking big, curly, voluminous hair.

The show-stopping style begs to be noticed. It frames Miss Kelly's elegant facial features, while making a statement that's decidedly free, fearless and bold. It makes the inner diva in me want to put on some platform shoes and dance in the middle of the street to "I'm Coming Out" underneath a shower of pink glitter.

What do we think of her new look? Is it undeniably GLAM or a tacky SHAM? And check out her video for her hot single "Commander" below:

MAGAZINE GLAM: Lady Gaga's ShotGun Bra on the Cover of Rolling Stone

In her relentless quest to be the next Madonna, Lady Gaga unveiled her iconic shotgun bra on the cover of Rolling Stone's July issue.

The bra doesn't surprise or alarm me because as a Gaga fan, I've seen her in everything from see-through underwear, bubbles (remember her last Rolling Stone cover) to a nun's costume.

And speaking of nuns, the controversial Alejandro video also features Gaga's shotgun bra...in a dance sequence. 

What does thrill me? Those to-die-for pink platform shoes. They give me life, death and resurrection in one glance.

The article might excite you as well. For one, it's the longest, most in-depth interview Gaga's ever given. And it further underscores her obsession with fantasy and mystery. Here are a few quotes that stood out to me (the last one made me laugh out loud).

On Fantasy:

"If I were to ever, God forbid, get hurt onstage and my fans were screaming outside of the hospital, waiting for me to come out, I'd come out as Gaga," she says, adding that she models her celebrity on Michael Jackson. "Michael got burned, and he lifted that glittered glove so damn high so his fans could see him, because he was in the art of show business. That's what we do. I don't even drink water onstage in front of anybody, because I want them to focus on the fantasy of the music."

On Mystery and Nightmares:

Gaga also reveals some deeply personal details for the first time, including her recurring nightmare involving a phantom and a blond girl who's tied up with ropes. "She's got my shoes on from the Grammys," Gaga says. "Go figure — psycho." When presented with the idea that her behavior indicates she's a survivor of a traumatic experience, Gaga says there are limits to what she'll discuss in public. "You have to be careful about how much you reveal to people that look up to you so much."

On Being a "Normal" Girl:

"When I wake up in the morning, I feel just like any other insecure 24-year-old girl," she says. "Then I say, 'Bitch, you're Lady Gaga, you get up and walk the walk today.' "  


Haha! This girl is crazy. Pick up the cover on newsstands and click here for more.

Kisses,

Coutura

GLAM OR SHAM?: Rihanna Mixes Polka Dot and Paisley

If anyone can take mismatched prints---namely, polka dot and paisley---and make them fashion-forward, it's Rihanna. 

The style icon was spotted walking in L.A. with a straw fedora, chunky gold jewelry, a polka dot skirt and paisley tube top and some glamazing studded Louboutin shoes.

I love this look on her, it's funky, fun and fearless and isn't that what Fashion's all about? On me, however, it'd look too much like laundry day or like I got dressed in the dark.

While I respect Rihanna's bold style, others think she looks loud and tacky. What do you think? Glam or a Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura

Check Out The Ad For Mariah Carey's New Fragrance, Lollipop Bling

I don't know about you guys, but so far I've loved every fragrance that songtress Mariah Carey has created, so I'm sure that I'll love these cute new fragrances as well.

Inspired by the 2008 proposal from hubby Nick Cannon (he gave her an actual Ring Pop!), Carey is now offering her own interpretations through cosmetics company Elizabeth Arden and Topps Company (makers of the original Ring Pops).

"The inspiration for Lollipop Bling was Nick's marriage proposal to me," she said in a recent press release. "He first surprised me with a ring-pop - romantic, fun and young-at-heart - like me!"

Lollipop Bling is a trio of fragrances based on candy flavors named after Carey's songs and includes Ribbon (which features notes of blue raspberry); Honey (a tropical pineapple infusion) and Mine Again (includes notes of chocolate and raspberry). It hits Macy's and Dilliard's on July 1 and you'll even get a real Ring Pop with your purchase. Each fragrance will retail for $35 (for 1 oz).

What do you think of the advertisement for the fragrance? Is this something that you will be purchasing, Glamazons?

xo

Ferocia

(Last) Week In Review: Pat McGrath, Idris Elba, The Dream and Victoria's Secret Models

Hey Glamazons! Whew, June has definitely been a whirl of social events for me..and don't think that I'm complaining...I live for it! Last week proved to be a fun one! Here's the Cliff's Notes version of everything:

The fabulous Pat McGrath (makeup artist extraordinaire and one of the main creative brains behind P&G Cosmetics) recently launched a collection of cosmetic bags for LeSport Sac and CoverGirl threw her a cute cocktail party downtown at the LeSport Sac store. They even had a fun photo booth..which I had no problem cramming into it with friends (Sara Conley from styleitonline.com and makeup artist Lesley Forrester) to take the super goofy shots of us below. Aren't they fun?!

Pat McGrath and I strike a pose for the cameras...she's so awesome!

Our fun photo booth pics in black and white (and color, of course!)

The LeSportSac makeup bags Pat McGrath designed. Each features a fun hangtag of makeup application tips from the makeup guru herself!

Moet & Chandon launched its exclusive Rose Lounge in New York on a rooftop at the Ink 48 Hotel. Hosted by Idris Elba and The Dream, the lounge featured it's newest libation, the Moet Rose minis (so cute!) as well as a gaggle of well dressed NY women, handsome men and celebs. Oh, and of course Idris was the hottest of the all....especially when he was spinning those beats while DJing...ooooweeee!

I snapped this pic of Idris DJing at the party...he was really into it and was spinning some great tunes! Love.

Here's Idris on the red carpet...why he looks confused, I don't know..perhaps he was wishing that he could be upstairs DJing some more instead?! lol

The Rose Lounge is scheduled to appear in Atlanta, Chicago, D.C., Baltimore, Cleveland and Detroit next so be sure to check a social calendar near you for dates.

Here's what the new drink looks like....

And there's my champagne flute of the drink (it's so good!) along with a real life shot of the minis.

Victoria's Secret Beauty turned a whole floor of the The St. Regis Hotel into a beautiful oasis of pink peonies, shimmering underwear and gorgeous supermodels when announcing plans to launch the new fragrance Bombshell in September 2010.

Pretty pink peonies adorned every table..they smelled delish!

I snapped this pic of some VS Models (from r to l: Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr and Candace Swanepoel) talking about what makes every woman a bombshell.

I've always wanted my own pair of angel wings! Don't I make a pretty angel?! lol

Marcia Caster, Fashion & Beauty Managing Editor at ESSENCE, posing with one of the mannequins at the event. Get into that outfit! Sexy grunge glam...love it!

The VS models posing onstage at the end of the event with executives from Victoria's Secret. Man, they have the best jobs!

xo

Ferocia

2010 FiFi Award Winners (Plus Usher's Cockiness, Kim Kardashian's Weird Side Pocket Situation and Tinsley Mortimer's Pretty Blush)

Hey Glamazons! Just like we thought you ought to know the winners of this year's CFDA Fashion Award, we also think it's important that you know who won a FiFi award last Thursday! What the heck is a FiFi you ask? Why, it's like the Grammy's of the fragrance world. Each year, the creme de la creme of high fragrance society gather to present each other with awards for the below categories (all listed below the pics). The top news from this year's awards ceremony is that Usher won a FiFi for his signature men's fragrance. How did it feel to win his first? Here's what he told WWD:

"I'm getting accustomed to [getting awards], but not necessarily outside of music. To be recognized is incredible. When I came out with my first fragrance, I only hoped that people would love it, that it would become part of people's overall lifestyle. But to be recognized in this way speaks to the future of what this business is for me."

Hmmm...is it just me, or did you detect a bit of cockiness in that statement? Ew.

Kim Kardashian was also on hand and revealed that she's currently working on a second fragrance (her first signature fragrance smells delish! I love it) and that out of all the beauty projects she's currently got a hand in skincare was her fave. (She's developed a line with her sisters called PerfectSkin.)

Usher doing his "I'm cool" pose on the red carpet.

Linda Wells (EIC of Allure magazine) and Michael Kors.

I loved the color of this dress Kim Kardashian wore....

But I don't think I like this weird side pocket situation. I think that if you have hips (like she does) they have a tendency to make you look wider than you actually are...wouldn't you say?

And, of course, I must delve into her beauty look! Love the high bun look on her (very polished) and the pale pink lips look girly but still grown. Nice!

Socialite Tinsley Mortimer looks super cute in this orange frock! This is one shade that I'm always afraid to wear (because I fear it makes me look deathly pale..ew) but Tinsley pulls it off very well!

And love this blush on her! It matches her dress perfectly..I wonder what shade it could be? (I'm sure it's something from Dior because I think she has a beauty contract with them, right?!)

Oh, and yes, the most important part of this post, the winners! Here they are! Do you guys own any of these fragrances? If so, do you think they deserved the award?

Male Celebrity Fragrance of the Year: Usher

Retailer of the Year: Bath & Body Works

FiFi Hall of Fame: Michael Kors

Fragrance of the Year, Men's Luxe: Tom Ford Grey Vetiver (Estee Lauder Cos., Inc)

Fragrance of the Year, Women's Popular Appeal: Halle by Halle Berry (Coty)

Fragrance of the Year, Women's Luxe: Lola by Marc Jacobs (Coty Prestige)

Fragrance of the Year, Men's Popular Appeal: Seduction in Black by Antonio Banderas (Puig USA, Inc)

Fragrance of the Year, Women's Noveau Niche: Bond No. 9 Astor Place (Bond No. 9 New York)

Fragrance of the Year, Men's Noveau Niche: Bond No. 9 Brooklyn (Bond No. 9 New York)

Fragrance of the Year, Women's Private Label/Direct Sell: Love Rocks (Victoria's Secret)

Fragrance of the Year, Men's Private Label/Direct Sell: Patrick Dempsey 2 (Avon Products, Inc)

Fragrance of the Year, Unique Boutique: Tom Ford White Suede (unisex/women's) (Estee Lauder Cos, Inc)

Fragrance Hall of Fame: CK One (Calvin Klein Cosmetics/Coty Prestige)

Fragrance of the Year, Bath and Body: Couture Couture by Juicy Couture (Elizabeth Arden)

Best Packaging of the Year, Women's Popular Appeal: Bath & Body Works Signature Collection P.S. I Love You EDT (Bath & Body Works)

Best Packaging of the Year, Women's Prestige: Life Threads Collection: Silver, Gold, Platinum (La Prairie)

Best Packaging of the Year, Men's Popular Appeal: Comme une Evidence (Yves Rocher North America, Inc.)

Best Packaging of the Year, Men's Prestige: John Varvatos Artisan (Beaute Prestige International)

Best Women's Media Campaign: Chanel No. 5 "No. 5 Train de nuit" (Chanel)

Best Men's Media Campaign: CK One "We Are One" (Calvin Klein Cosmetics, Coty Prestige)

Best Interior Scent Collection: Scentbug Diffuser (Slatkin & Co./Limited Brands, Inc)

Perfume Extraordinaire: Firmenich

Editorial Excellence in Scent Features: Allure, Elle, Elle.com

Technological Breakthrough, Packaging Technology & Delivery Systems: Victorinox Swiss Unlimited rubber bottle (Victorinox Swiss Army)

Technological Breakthrough, Fragrance Creation & Formulation: Miriad 2.0 (Givaudan Fragrances Corp.)

xo

Ferocia

GLAM OR SHAM?: Aretha Franklin "Recycles" Her Dress

There are so many things wrong with this situation that I don't even know where to start. (I mean, where does she get her wigs?! Hot mess.)

But, let's focus on the situation at hand: Aretha Franklin wore the same dress and accessories two nights in a row. Sunday night she hit up the Tony awards (on the left) and then the Apollo Theater Awards the following night (on the right).

While we're all for wearing the same outfit twice (or even more as long as it's clean!), I don't think that it's ok to wear the same dress at back-to-back events. I mean, I'm not even a celebrity (yet! haha) and you'll never catch me doing something like that.

Oh, and yeah..the whole outfit is just one big 'ole unfortunate sham. Sorry Aretha!

But, what do you think about the fact that Aretha wore the outfit two nights in a row? Is that GLAM or SHAM?

xo

Ferocia

True Blood's Vampire Queen Gets A Fragrance Deal!

Ok, it's really actress Evan Rachel Wood, but you may know her best as the Vampire Queen from HBO's 'True Blood'.

Side note: Don't you just loooove that show?! My fave character is Lafayette...he cracks me up.

Wood, 21, will be the face for Gucci's newest women's fragrance (no details on that just yet or when we'll start to see the ads). Here's what Frida Giannini, Gucci creative director, told WWD about why they chose her to represent the brand:

"She's young, but rising and [an] influential figure. I didn't want to offer this project to someone overexposed or too well known. Instead, I wanted a fresh individual that would coincide with the image of the project."

Hmmm...a fresh and new face....we can dig it! What do you think, Glamazons?

xo

Ferocia

Rachel Zoe The Fashion Designer?

I mean, she IS a stylist, so I guess it would only make sense that in addition to telling you how to wear stuff she also supplies you with things that she's designed, right?!

Rachel Zoe is set to launch a namesake collection (i.e. the Rachel Zoe collection) by fall 2011. It's going to be a lifestyle brand and will include accessories, shoes, clothes and maybe even a home line. Here's what she told WWD about why she decided to design her own collection:

"Subconsciously or consciously, my whole final goal - I don't want to say final because that sounds very like it's the end - but I would say my ultimate dream scenario was to be on the design side. You will definitely see me in the clothes. Like, you will absolutely see my trademark pieces. I'll definitely do faux furs and incredible leather jackets and great trousers. But I'm catering to a broader audience."

While I may not exactly be in love with this woman, I do respect her hussle. She has her own TV show on Bravo ('The Rachel Zoe Project,' Season 3 airs Aug. 3) and seems to be dressing most of the top actresses in Hollywood (Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Eva Mendes, Demi Moore, etc). I absolutely love this quote she gave WWD below:

"One time at a fashion show, an editor said to me 'Did you just come out of, like, thin air? You just appeared and now all I do is see your name and hear this and that, you're sitting in the front row next to me at all these shows and daddadadda.' I said, 'I've been working my ass off for 15 years."

POW! Werk, Zoe! With an attitude like that, you can't help but to cheer for her.

What do you think, Glamazons? Do you think Zoe stands a chance in the world of fashion design?

xo

Ferocia

My New Beauty Gig!!

Hey Glamazons! Don't worry, I haven't been neglecting you, just been super busy. (Ah, the life of a hussler lol) I've decided that the freelance writing life is for me and have been hunting down gigs. I don't think I've ever told you guys this, but one of my all-time fave mags is Glamour and I've always dreamed of writing for them. Well, I'm proud to share with you all that I've been hired to start writing for their website in 'The Girls In The Beauty Department' section. (I'm filling in for one of their awesome writers, Petra, while she's on maternity leave.)

Check out my first post and leave me some comments! And don't worry, I'll still be posting here as well...long live Ferocia! hahahaha

xo

Ferocia